Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This spicy shrimp pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, homemade dish packed with deliciousness, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Deglaze (Optional) and Simmer
If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This deglazing process adds extra flavor. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, parsley, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, spice enthusiasts can add more!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the skillet along with the garlic.
- Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Omit the tomatoes and add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the garlic.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This spicy shrimp pasta recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect healthy meal option, ideal for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying weekend lunch. Enjoy this delicious dish, and remember to share your culinary creations!