Description
Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Delight brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its aromatic blend of succulent shrimp and perfectly seasoned pasta. Rich garlic notes and fresh herbs create a quick, elegant meal that transports diners to Italian seaside restaurants without leaving home.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti noodles
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) butter
- 3 drizzles olive oil
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it, and add a splash of olive oil along with fresh herbs to create an aromatic base for the spaghetti. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, carefully rinse the shrimp under cold running water, then thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels to ensure optimal searing and flavor absorption.
- Prepare a large skillet by melting butter over medium heat, creating a rich, golden base for cooking the shrimp.
- Transfer the dried shrimp into the bubbling butter, cooking them until they transform to a delicate pink color and begin to curl slightly, typically 2-3 minutes. Introduce finely minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes to develop a deep, mellow flavor profile.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the skillet, which will help distribute flavors and create a silky coating for the pasta.
- Carefully drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving of pasta water. Add the spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic-infused shrimp, sprinkling in Italian seasoning, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, starting with , to create a luxurious, cohesive sauce that clings to both pasta and shrimp.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even heat distribution and flavor integration. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Prepare shrimp thoroughly by patting completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown searing and prevent soggy texture.
- Reserve pasta water strategically as a secret weapon for creating silky, restaurant-quality sauce that effortlessly coats each pasta strand.
- Cook shrimp precisely between 2-3 minutes to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood disaster.
- Infuse garlic gradually during cooking to develop deep, mellow flavor without burning or creating bitter undertones.
- Customize heat levels easily by adjusting red pepper flakes for those craving spicy kick or preferring milder taste profile.
- Control sauce consistency masterfully by incrementally adding reserved pasta water, ensuring luxurious, glossy finish every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525 cal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg