Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This rotini pasta with shrimp recipe is your answer. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 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 rotini pasta 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 heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If omitting wine, proceed directly to the next step.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini pasta, parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together until well combined. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Rotini Pasta with Shrimp:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and lemon juice make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust the spice: If you don't like spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic.
Variations:
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Boost the lemon flavor by adding the zest of one lemon along with the juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This quick and easy rotini pasta with shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!