Dive into a culinary adventure with our Garlicky Linguine and Shrimp—a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests! This Italian-inspired recipe combines perfectly cooked linguine with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a fragrant garlic-infused sauce. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add drained linguine and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and create a light sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently mix with the pasta to reheat and combine flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, with optional lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea! This will enhance the flavor of the linguine as it cooks.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Pasta Water is Key: The reserved pasta cooking water is a secret weapon! It helps to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the linguine.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, start with just a pinch.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right away for the ultimate flavor experience, and consider pairing it with a crisp white wine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 200mg
