Name: Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian / Seafood
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or linguine; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Garlic shrimp pasta is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings together tender shrimp, a garlicky olive oil or buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something that tastes gourmet but takes minimal time and effort. Whether I’m serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual date night, it never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick this recipe comes together—less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The garlic infuses the shrimp and pasta with a bold, savory flavor, while the hint of lemon or chili flakes (if I’m in the mood) brightens everything up. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, and I can easily adjust the spice level or richness to suit my mood. Plus, it only takes one pan and a pot of boiling pasta. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spaghetti or linguine
Garlic cloves, minced
Olive oil or unsalted butter
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon juice (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Grated Parmesan (optional for serving)

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. I reserve some pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
I sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
I add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Once the shrimp are cooked, I add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. If needed, I splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
I toss everything together with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve immediately with optional Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a fast dinner that still feels special.

Variations

Creamy version: I sometimes stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Spicy: For extra heat, I add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Low-carb: I swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter take.
Veggie-loaded: I toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the last minute of cooking.
Lemon-garlic: For more citrus flavor, I add lemon zest along with the juice.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life. I avoid using the microwave for shrimp, as it tends to overcook them and make them rubbery. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I use frozen shrimp all the time. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What pasta works best with this recipe?

I like spaghetti or linguine because they soak up the garlicky sauce well, but I’ve also used fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. I simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish is already rich from the olive oil and garlic.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

I cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 2–3 minutes per side. I remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done to keep them tender.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It’s best fresh, but I’ve had good results prepping the pasta and shrimp separately, then tossing them together right before serving for better texture.

Conclusion

Garlic shrimp pasta is one of those dishes I can always count on. It’s easy, elegant, and bursting with flavor, all while using pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for family or making a quick solo dinner, it’s a go-to recipe I never get tired of.