Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

This garlic shrimp spaghetti recipe is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful shrimp pasta that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes this dish irresistible. If you’re craving a simple yet delicious shrimp spaghetti recipe, this one delivers both taste and convenience. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal your family will love!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Mix to combine, creating a creamy sauce.
4. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss again to combine.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the garlic shrimp spaghetti immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic shrimp spaghetti is a delicious and easy meal, packed with bold flavors. The combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and fresh Parmesan creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The addition of lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter, making every bite a balance of savory and tangy. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Tips

• Pasta Cooking Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
• Shrimp Cooking Tip: Shrimp cook quickly. Don’t overcook them; they should be just opaque and pink when done.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Make sure to save some pasta water before draining the spaghetti—it helps thicken the sauce and ensures it sticks to the pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, try tossing in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices when cooking the garlic for extra flavor and color.
• Spicy Option: Increase the crushed red pepper to make this dish spicier, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Dairy-Free: To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.
• What if I don’t have fresh garlic? You can substitute garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic will give you the best flavor.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with garlic shrimp spaghetti.
• Extra Garnish: For added flavor, try garnishing with extra Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
• Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Mix to combine, creating a creamy sauce.
• Combine the Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss again to combine.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the garlic shrimp spaghetti immediately.