Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, adorned with succulent, garlic-kissed shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This One Pot Garlicky Shrimp Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Italian restaurant, without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight feast, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just opaque.
- Return cooked spaghetti to the pot, tossing with the shrimp and garlic. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp throughout the dish.
Tips
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: The key to tender, juicy shrimp is quick cooking. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients cling together. Add it gradually to control consistency.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred versions.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Fresh Parsley Makes a Difference: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 459kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
