I’m so excited to share my Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe with you today! It’s a delightful, vibrant dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, fresh parsley, and succulent shrimp, all tied together with perfectly cooked thin spaghetti. This pasta dish is not only bursting with flavor but also comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a sun-drenched terrace on the Mediterranean coast. So, let's dive into this delightful shrimp recipe that’s both simple and impressive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with fresh ingredients that provide vibrant flavors and colors.
- A great way to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
- Healthier than most creamy pasta dishes, without skimping on taste!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? For this Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need:
- Thin spaghetti for a light, delicious base.
- Kosher salt for seasoning the pasta water.
- Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined for ease and convenience.
- Freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the flavors.
- Red onions for a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves to create that dreamy aroma.
- Dry oregano for a Mediterranean herb touch.
- Red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper) for a gentle kick.
- Dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio to enrich the sauce.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice for brightness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop.
- Vine ripe tomatoes for juiciness and color.
- Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making your Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it's rolling, add your thin spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—about 9 minutes should do the trick! Remember to reserve a bit of that starchy pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to sauté the shrimp! In a large pan, heat about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the shrimp, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate for now.
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium-low and add a splash more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped red onions, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly—this part is where the magic begins!
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine simmer for one minute to reduce slightly, then add your fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Add in the chopped parsley and tomatoes, stirring gently for about 30 to 40 seconds to let everything mingle. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring each strand is coated in that gorgeous garlic-wine sauce. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add some of that reserved pasta water.
Finally, add the shrimp back into the pan, allowing them to warm through for another 30 seconds. Don’t forget to take it off the heat before that shrimp gets overcooked!
Serve it up with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a touch more red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted dry before cooking; this helps them sear nicely.
- If you love garlic (and who doesn’t?), feel free to add an extra clove or two!
- For an even richer flavor, let your pasta finish cooking in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- If you’re not fond of white wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth; just be sure to reduce the amount of salt you add.
How to Serve
This Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta shines on its own, but you can elevate it even more! Serve it alongside a refreshing arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. A glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully, complementing the dish’s flavors. For garnish, toss a few more fresh parsley leaves on top and, if you’re feeling fancy, add a lemon wedge for extra zing!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re preparing for a busy week, this pasta does well if made ahead. Just keep the shrimp and pasta separate until you’re ready to eat. The shrimp can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply reheat it all together in a pan, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life.
Leftovers? You can store them in the refrigerator for about 2 days as well. When reheating, gently warm them on a low heat to avoid overcooking. While I generally prefer to eat this dish fresh, it’s delicious even the next day!
Dive into this Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta, and I promise you won’t just be satisfied – you’ll want to share the recipe with everyone around the table! Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- ¾ lb thin spaghetti
- Kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Black pepper
- ½ red onion chopped
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or 1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes)
- 1 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 to 3 vine ripe tomatoes chopped
- Parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water per package instructions (about 9 minutes). Reserve some starchy water and drain well.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Add more olive oil if necessary, reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté onions, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in wine, scrape up bits, and cook for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and zest.
- Stir in parsley and tomatoes, season with salt, and toss for 30-40 seconds.
- Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat, adding starchy water as needed.
- Finally, add shrimp back in and warm through for 30 seconds. Serve with Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes if desired.