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Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

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4.2 from 28 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic with al dente spaghetti, finished with a zesty lemon and parmesan sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful blend of garlic, spice, and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Spaghetti

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking spaghetti)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns opaque pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about one minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine and form a smooth sauce.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Transfer the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet with the garlic sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
  5. Add Shrimp and Garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful garlic shrimp spaghetti.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
  • Reserving pasta water is crucial; it helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the spaghetti smoothly.
  • Use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil if desired.
  • This dish can be paired well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.