#1 Best Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Discovering a Love for Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

My Favorite is Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti and I first discovered Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti during a trip to a quaint little town in Italy. I remember sitting in a cozy, family-run restaurant with the warm evening breeze gently blowing through the open windows. The aroma of garlic and olive oil filled the air, making my mouth water before the dish even arrived at the table. When the plate was finally set before me, I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the ingredients—just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and shrimp—but the flavors were anything but simple. The dish was a perfect blend of rich, garlicky goodness with a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, balanced beautifully by the fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.

Bringing Italian Flavors Home

After that unforgettable experience, I knew I had to recreate the dish at home. I spent hours in my kitchen, experimenting with different variations until I finally perfected the recipe. The key was in the sauce, a creamy garlic base that didn’t actually use any cream but relied on the pasta cooking water to achieve that luscious texture. I also added a twist with lemon-infused olive oil for the shrimp, giving the dish a fresh, zesty flavor that complemented the rich sauce. Every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to that little Italian restaurant, and I can’t help but smile.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What I love most about Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple and comforting enough for a lazy Sunday at home. I’ve served it to guests who were amazed by how such a humble dish could taste so luxurious. The roasted shrimp, with its delicate seasoning, adds a succulent touch that elevates the entire meal. Paired with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

A Family Favorite

Over the years, Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti has become a favorite in my family. Even the kids, who can be picky eaters, love it! They enjoy the tender shrimp and the cheesy, garlicky pasta. I find it heartwarming to see them savoring each bite, just as I did during my first taste in Italy. It’s a recipe that brings us together, whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight meal. And that’s the beauty of this dish—it’s more than just food; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a taste of Italy right in our own home.

Chef’s Notes-Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

• Garlic can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on it and stir constantly to avoid bitterness. If it burns, start over to maintain the dish’s delicate flavor balance.
• Freshly grated parmesan and freshly chopped parsley make a huge difference in flavor. Pre-grated cheese and dried herbs won’t have the same impact.
• Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy.
• The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti. Don’t skip this step, as it helps emulsify the sauce.
• Allowing the pasta to rest in the sauce for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and the pasta to absorb the sauce, making it more flavorful.

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

plates

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

50

minutes

Dive into this delightful Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti, a dish bursting with flavors from garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. This recipe is perfect for a lazy Sunday or an elegant dinner party. The creamy sauce, made without cream, coats the spaghetti beautifully, while the roasted shrimp adds a succulent touch. Inspired by the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• 1 lb package of spaghetti

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 8 cloves garlic thinly sliced or grated

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 1/2 cups reserved pasta cooking water

• Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined

• 1/3 cup lemon-infused olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated

• 1 shallot finely chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Alternative Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Substitute with scallops or chicken for a different protein.

• Parmesan Cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

• Olive Oil: Regular olive oil can replace lemon-infused olive oil.

• Shallot: Replace with a small onion if shallots are unavailable.

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour in reserved pasta water, bring to a boil, then simmer. Add salt and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces.
• Remove pan from heat, add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss in parmesan cheese and parsley. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
• In a bowl, combine shrimp with lemon-infused olive oil, garlic, shallot, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Place spaghetti on a serving platter, top with roasted shrimp. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• large pot
• saute pan
• baking sheet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ-Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess water in the dish.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese in a dairy-free version?

Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute that provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Is it necessary to use lemon-infused olive oil?

While lemon-infused olive oil adds a bright, citrusy flavor, you can use regular olive oil and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a similar effect.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

The spaghetti can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, but for the best texture, cook the shrimp fresh just before serving. The pasta sauce can also be made ahead and tossed with the pasta when ready to serve.