Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner that doesn't involve spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This grilled shrimp with pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, brimming with fresh ingredients, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
Instructions:
Preparing the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly. Make sure all the shrimp are nicely covered in the marinade.
- Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better, up to 30 minutes). This allows the flavors to really penetrate the shrimp.
Grilling the Shrimp:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this will make them tough.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. This pasta water is key for creating a creamy sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
Combining and Serving:
- Add the grilled shrimp to the pasta and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade.
- If you don't have a grill, you can pan-fry the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Fettuccine or angel hair would also work well.
- Add some chopped cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish beautifully.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pasta sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This simple grilled shrimp with pasta recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, and healthy meals all rolled into one delicious dish. Enjoy your homemade cooking! This recipe is perfect for showcasing your culinary skills without the fuss, making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.