You know that moment when you open the fridge, and the only thing staring back at you is a half-empty jar of garlic and a bag of shrimp that’s teetering on the edge of expiration? Well, that’s how this 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Spaghetti came to life one rushed Tuesday evening. It’s a quick dance of flavors—garlic, butter, shrimp, and spaghetti twirling together in a pan like they were meant to be.
Steps
- Boil spaghetti in salted water as per package instructions. Drain it and keep aside one cup of the cooking water.
- In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the shrimp turns opaque pink, around 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic, cooking until aromatic, approximately one minute. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Place the shrimp back into the skillet, mixing gently. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons of chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 318mg | Sodium: 1195mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- What types of pasta can be used for garlic shrimp spaghetti?
- While long pastas like spaghetti or linguini are traditional choices, you can also opt for penne or shells. For added fiber and reduced calories, whole grain pasta is a good alternative.
- What side dishes pair well with shrimp pasta?
- This pasta dish is substantial enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar salad. Additionally, olive oil garlic bread can complement it nicely.
- How should shrimp pasta be stored and how long does it last?
- Ideally, the pasta should be enjoyed fresh from the pan. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can I make a creamy version of garlic shrimp spaghetti?
- Yes, you can replace some of the pasta water with milk to achieve a creamier texture. However, the original recipe’s combination of lemon juice and pasta water maintains a lighter flavor profile.
- How can I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
- Shrimp cook quickly, in just a few minutes, until they turn opaque pink. It’s important to remove them from heat as soon as they’re done to avoid a chewy texture.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the spaghetti is cooked to an al dente texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce and shrimp, preventing it from becoming too soft.
- Prepare Shrimp Properly: If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a proper sear without excess moisture.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp should only be cooked until they turn opaque pink, which takes just a few minutes. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
- Consider Creaminess Options: For a creamier sauce, substitute some of the pasta water with milk, although lemon juice and pasta water keep the dish lighter and enhance the garlic and butter flavors.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp and sauce.
- Whisk – A whisk is useful for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Pasta Pot – A large pot specifically for boiling pasta can be helpful if you don’t already have one.
- Airtight Containers – Useful for storing any leftovers in the refrigerator.
