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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil (or butter), tossed with al dente pasta, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon. It’s elegant enough for a date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

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)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute), being careful not to brown it.
  4. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. If needed, pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss everything with parsley and lemon juice.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with optional Parmesan.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp — stop when just opaque.
  • The reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce and adjust consistency.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus in step 5 for more color and nutrition.
  • For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese just before tossing.
  • Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter or gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/garlic-shrimp-pasta-2/