Delicious Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Dinner
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp is the perfect choice. It combines the classic appeal of pasta with the rich, savory taste of succulent shrimp, all tied together in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also an incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a special treat.
What’s great about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing a romantic dinner, or just craving something delicious, Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp can be made to fit your needs. You can adjust the level of garlic and spice, or even add extra veggies for a more wholesome meal. The best part? It only takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an elegant dish for guests.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making this flavorful dish, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for customizing the recipe. Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that come together to make Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp so delicious. These simple ingredients are staples in most kitchens and come together quickly to create a flavorful dish.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. The shrimp are the star of the dish, so go for high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Spaghetti: A classic choice for this dish, spaghetti provides the perfect base for the garlic shrimp sauce. You can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that rich, savory flavor in the sauce. Be sure to mince or finely chop the garlic for the best distribution throughout the dish. Garlic is the heart of the sauce, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount.
- Butter: Butter creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce. It also helps in sautéing the garlic and shrimp. You can use unsalted butter to control the seasoning, or substitute it with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and garlic, olive oil adds a fruity, slightly peppery flavor that complements the richness of the butter. You can also use avocado oil for a milder taste.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that brightens the richness of the dish. Lemon zest can also be used for an extra citrus kick. A lemon wedge for garnish is a nice touch when serving.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness to balance the savory flavors. You can use other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for variation.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a perfect addition to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. You can also add freshly ground black pepper for a more subtle heat.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the dish adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. It also gives the dish an Italian touch.
Substitutions:
- If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken breast or even scallops.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and skip the Parmesan cheese.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp is simple and quick. Here’s how you do it:
- Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help with the sauce later. Set the pasta aside. - Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. You want the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden. - Combine the Sauce with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the garlic butter. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a smoother, creamier sauce. - Add the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss again to make sure everything is evenly coated. - Serve and Garnish
Divide the spaghetti and shrimp into individual plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
4. Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier version of the dish.
- Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more texture and flavor. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that the other ingredients, like butter and Parmesan cheese, are also gluten-free.
5. Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but here are some great sides to complement the flavors of the garlic shrimp:
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Salads: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli make for great side dishes that add color and nutrition to your meal.
For drinks, pair this dish with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing option.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing.
- Freezer: This dish doesn’t freeze well because the shrimp and pasta tend to lose their texture. However, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce separately and add fresh shrimp and pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently and add the shrimp and pasta when you’re ready.
- Best with Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting quality.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: If you have a non-stick skillet, use it to prevent the garlic from sticking and burning while sautéing.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 420 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Cholesterol | 200mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti.
- Cook the shrimp.
- Make the garlic butter sauce.
- Combine shrimp and pasta with sauce.
- Serve and garnish.
Notes:
- Can be prepped ahead.
- Best with freshly grated cheese.
Nutrition:
Calories: 420 | Fat: 20g | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 35g
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in protein
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from shrimp and garlic
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with chicken or vegetable broth, and add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
10. Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare, yet packed with bold, savory flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!