Description
A flavorful and quick Shrimp and Garlic Pasta recipe featuring succulent seared shrimp tossed with al dente spaghetti in a garlic butter sauce enhanced with lemon and fresh parsley. This dish combines bright citrus notes and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp are just pink and opaque. Transfer the seared shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss vigorously to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Incorporate Shrimp and Finish: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss all ingredients together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with optional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water is important to help the sauce adhere to the pasta and adjust consistency.
- Use dry white wine for a brighter flavor, or chicken broth as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the dish.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness but can be adjusted to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Shrimp pasta, garlic pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick seafood pasta
