Quick & Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Ready in Just 20 Minutes.
Introduction.
Think about what I'm saying. You've come home from work and are exhausted. No matter how tired you are, you still have to work hard in the kitchen to cook dinner. You don't feel like cooking because of fatigue, and you don't feel like eating out. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for you in such situations.
My Italian neighbour, Mrs. Romano, told me about the delicious Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe that we are going to make today. She told me another wonderful story, "Even if you don't know it, simple food is the best food." She is 100% right.
Now this is the meal that relieves my fatigue on a busy day. Try this nutritious meal and tell me your experience.
(Photo by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫: Pexels)
Ingredients.
Here's what you'll need to create this restaurant-quality dish at home:
For the pasta:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti. (whatever you have works fine)
- 1 tablespoon salt. (for the pasta water)
For the shrimp:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- 6 cloves of minced garlic.
- ½ cup olive oil. (the good stuff makes a difference)
- ¼ cup white wine. (dry works best, but cooking wine is fine too)
- 3 tablespoons butter.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
- Zest of 1 lemon.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. (trust me, fresh is worth it)
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Kitchen Tools Required.
You don't need any fancy equipment for this recipe - just the basics:
- Large pot.(for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan.
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Sharp knife (for mincing garlic)
- Cutting board.
- Wooden spoon or tongs.
- Cheese grater. (if using fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Guide to Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Step 1: First, fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Then add a tablespoon of salt to the bubbling water and stir. (This is the secret to making pasta delicious.) Now add the linguine to the boiling water. Cook it for 8-10 minutes according to the instructions on the box. The best way to know if it is cooked to the desired consistency is to take a piece and taste it. It should be soft and have a firm bite.
Step 2: While your pasta is cooking, take a pan and add the required amount of olive oil to it. Then, place the pan on the stove and heat it on medium heat. Next, add the crushed garlic and red chilli flakes. Now is the time for the magic to begin. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma of the garlic. If your kitchen smells good now…you are doing it right.
Step 3: Now add your shrimp to the pan. Arrange them in a single layer to allow them to cook evenly. Do not stack them on top of each other. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Then flip them over and cook for another minute or two. When they turn pink and are slightly loose, they are done as we want them. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Or they may become tough. Trust yourself.
(Photo by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫: Pexels)
Step 4: Next, add some white wine to the pan. Let it simmer for about a minute, then the alcohol will evaporate, leaving a really delicious, delicate flavour. Even if you don't drink wine, don't skip this step. Adding a little wine will enrich the sauce.
Step 5: Before you drain the pasta, save about a cup of the cooking water. This may seem strange to you, but it is a very important step, as this water contains starch. It helps to make the sauce smooth and flavorful.
Step 6: Now add the drained pasta with the shrimp to the pan. Then mix well. Next, add the butter and lemon juice. If you find the pasta a little dry, sprinkle a little of the starchy pasta water you saved in the previous step. This will create a light and silky sauce.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the heat and add about half of the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined. Add a pinch of salt or more lemon juice if desired before serving.
Step 8: Sprinkle some of the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and serve. This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh. So enjoy it quickly.
Cooking Tips.
Tip 1: Don't rinse your drained pasta! That starchy film allows the sauce to stick better. It will finish cooking in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
Tip 2: If you have the money, try to buy pre-shelled and prepared shrimp. On a busy weeknight, no one wants to spend extra time preparing shrimp! Also, make sure the shrimp is thawed before cooking.
Tip 3: Use fresh garlic for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe. Pre-minced garlic doesn't have the same flavour, so always try to use fresh garlic. The taste of this recipe may completely change depending on the garlic you use.
Reasons to Try This Recipe.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavour-packed dish that will tantalise your taste buds. From the buttery garlic to the plump, tender shrimp and the bright lemon zest, it's a delicious combination that tastes as good as a restaurant meal, making you excited to try it.
The best part about this recipe is its speed. From the moment you start boiling the water, you can have the entire dish ready in just 20 minutes. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect recipe for a night when you want a great meal without too much work, making you feel efficient and productive.
Another great thing about this is its versatility. Want to spice it up? Just add more red pepper flakes. If you want it creamier, you can add a little heavy cream. You can also adjust this recipe to suit your taste buds.
Healthier Swaps.
Pasta alternatives: If you're cutting back on carbs, try whole wheat linguine or even zucchini noodles. They pair well with both sauces.
Lighter version: Use half the olive oil and butter, and add extra veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
Dairy-free option: Omit the butter and Parmesan, and try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
- Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. You can learn more about the health benefits of shrimp here
✅ Advantages of Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
The best thing about this recipe is that it saves you a lot of time. You can make and serve this Garlic Shrimp Pasta much faster than waiting in line for a food delivery service.
This recipe is a wonderful meal that will please anyone who eats it. I have served this Garlic Shrimp Pasta to many select diners, and every time, the people who taste it are amazed by its taste. It looks beautiful enough to serve for a special dinner. But it is easy enough to make on any regular weekday.
The best thing about this is that it requires very simple ingredients. You already have the ingredients in your kitchen. There are no hard-to-find ingredients here.
❌ Disadvantages of Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not a light or low-carb dish. With the pasta, olive oil, and butter, it is definitely high in calories. This is not exactly a diet dish. But it is a good comfort food.
The cost of this dish can vary, as shrimp prices can fluctuate. It may be more than your average pasta dinner. However, it is cheaper than what you would get at a restaurant.
To get the most out of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta, it should be eaten while it is still hot. It can be stored in the refrigerator. However, the flavour will vary greatly.
Conclusion.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of my favourite dinners. I make this pasta all the time because it's incredibly easy to make. And this recipe is so delicious.
You don't have to be a great chef or spend a lot of time cooking. You can make this in just a few simple steps. This recipe is perfect if you are trying to surprise your family or a loved one. Try it tonight. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma when it is cooked.
(Check more recipes on our homepage: TastyRecipeZone)
FAQs.
1. Question: What if I can't find large shrimp?
- Answer: No problem. Medium-sized shrimp will work just fine. Also, since they cook quickly, reduce the cooking time by about 30 seconds. Don't use very small shrimp, as they won't stand out when mixed with the pasta.
2. Question: Can I make this without wine?
- Answer: Yes, you can easily make this recipe without adding wine by following the other steps. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a little more lime juice instead of wine. Adding wine will add more flavour, but the dish will still taste good without it.
3. Question: How do you know when shrimp are cooked to perfection?
- Answer: You know they are done when they turn pink and are slightly soft. The shrimp should look white and firm. Don't overcook them, or they will become tough.
4. Question: What other types of pasta can I use for this recipe?
- Answer: You can use more than just linguine and spaghetti for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe. You can use angel hair, fettuccine, and penne. Cooking time may be longer or shorter depending on the type of pasta you use.