Craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time? This easy spaghetti with shrimp recipe is your answer! It's a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant flavors that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly decadent without all the fuss. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Sauté the 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 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
-
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
-
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.
-
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss to combine. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
-
Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti with Shrimp:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and lemon juice make a big difference in the flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the shrimp.
Variations:
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of lemon juice and garlic for a bolder lemon garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 15-20g
This delicious spaghetti with shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. It’s a great quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!