A Little History of Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp pasta has long been a staple of coastal Mediterranean and Italian cooking, where fishermen paired freshly caught shrimp with simple pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Known as “spaghetti aglio e olio con gamberi” in Italy, the dish celebrates minimalism—using only a few high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Over time, shrimp pasta evolved into countless variations, from creamy Alfredo styles to light lemony versions, making it a beloved weeknight dinner worldwide.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is flavorful, quick, and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. Juicy shrimp are pan-seared with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then tossed with spaghetti (or fettuccine) for a simple yet elegant meal. It’s light enough for summer dining but satisfying year-round, making it a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
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8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tbsp olive oil, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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½ lemon, juiced
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Grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
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Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
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Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
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Toss in pasta with reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir well.
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Return shrimp to skillet and toss until combined.
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Serve with grated parmesan and extra parsley.
Notes
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
Swap shrimp with scallops or chicken for variety.
For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tbsp butter at the end.
FAQ – Common Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the pan.
2. What’s the best pasta for shrimp pasta?
Spaghetti and fettuccine work best, but linguine or angel hair are also excellent choices.
3. Can I make this creamy instead?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup heavy cream and extra parmesan after sautéing garlic for a rich, creamy shrimp pasta variation.
