Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of flavors that strikes all the right chords for a delightful weeknight meal. Picture this: tender, juicy shrimp swimming luxuriously in a rich garlic butter sauce, all over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. With the added zing of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan, this dish wraps itself around your taste buds in a warm, comforting embrace. Trust me; it’s the kind of dish that beckons you to gather around the table and share stories of your day while savoring each delectable bite. Let’s dive into the magic of Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy prep: Quick enough to whip up on busy weeknights, but impressive enough for entertaining!
- Flavor explosion: The rich garlic and buttery sauce is perfectly balanced with fresh lemon and spices.
- Crowd-pleaser: This shrimp recipe satisfies both seafood lovers and pasta fans!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or take it to the next level with additional spices!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful and easy Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti:
- Spaghetti: The perfect base that just soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Butter: Essential for that rich, creamy sauce!
- Large shrimp: This is where the magic happens – make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
- Salt: A pinch goes a long way to enhance flavors.
- Crushed red pepper: For that little kick that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced to bring a robust flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity that complements the dish beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a decadent finish.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley brings color and freshness.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get started on our cozy culinary adventure!
Begin by heating a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, pop in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Remember to drain it well, but don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of that gorgeous pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Now, on to the shrimp! In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s sizzling, add your shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a lovely opaque pink. Yes, my friend, this is the moment when you know you’re on the right track! Set the shrimp aside, but keep that skillet handy.
In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter. Once it's melted, toss in the minced garlic. Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage will make your heart smile! Cook the garlic for about a minute until fragrant—just don’t let it brown.
Now for the stars of the show: turn off the heat and add the lemon juice, a splash of the reserved pasta water, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until combined, letting the creamy richness envelop the garlic flavor.
Next, carefully transfer that perfectly cooked spaghetti into your skillet. Toss it well with the luscious sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in garlicky goodness.
Finally, add the shrimp back into the skillet, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy every delicious forkful!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– Use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor; fresh or frozen will work, just make sure they’re deveined.
– Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp; give them space to cook evenly.
– Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
– Leftover pasta sauce can easily be put to use the next day—add it to some steamed veggies or cooked chicken!
How to Serve
This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is scrumptious on its own, but why not elevate it a little more? Serve it on a cozy plate with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a wedge of lemon for that refreshing burst! Pair it with a light arugula salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine for an impressive dining experience that doesn’t require a lot of fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the pasta and shrimp separately, toss them together when you’re ready to eat, and add the sauce. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers—lucky you! Store any remaining Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to revive that creamy texture. You can also freeze the shrimp (without spaghetti) for longer storage, but it’s best consumed within a month for optimal flavor.
Cooking is all about sharing the joy and love with those we cherish. I hope you gather around the table soon with a delicious plate of Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti and share moments filled with laughter and delight. Bon Appétit!
Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper; cook until shrimp are pink, about 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, pasta water, and parmesan.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce. Add shrimp on top and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.