For a quick and elegant meal, **Garlic Shrimp Pasta** is a fantastic choice. Combining tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and the rich flavors of garlic and butter, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Follow this easy recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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#### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Simple Ingredients**: Uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp.
– **Quick to Prepare**: Ready in under 30 minutes.
– **Packed with Flavor**: Garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning create an irresistible sauce.
– **Customizable**: Adjust the spice level or add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
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#### **Ingredients**
– **1 lb medium shrimp**: Deveined and tails removed.
– **1 lb spaghetti noodles**: Adjust quantity as needed.
– **6-8 garlic cloves, minced**: Adjust to taste.
– **1/4 cup butter**: Adds richness to the sauce.
– **Olive oil**: About 3 drizzles, for cooking and flavor.
– **Italian seasoning**: To taste.
– **Fresh ground pepper**: To taste.
– **Red pepper flakes**: Optional, for a touch of heat.
– **Salt**: To taste.
– **Fresh herbs**: Such as parsley or basil, for garnish.
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#### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until tender. Optionally, add a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs to the water.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**
1. While the pasta cooks, rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**
1. In a large skillet, melt the **butter** over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn pink and curl.
**Step 4: Add the Garlic**
1. Stir in the minced garlic and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully pink and cooked through.
**Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp**
1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp.
2. Sprinkle with **Italian seasoning**, **ground pepper**, **red pepper flakes**, and **salt** to taste.
**Step 6: Add Pasta Water**
1. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**
1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
2. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
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#### **Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta**
1. **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp**: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture.
2. **Reserve Pasta Water**: This starchy water helps create a silky sauce.
3. **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste as you go and tweak the spices to your preference.
4. **Add Vegetables**: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrients.
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#### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving)**
– **Calories**: 480 kcal
– **Protein**: 26g
– **Carbohydrates**: 50g
– **Fat**: 18g
– **Fiber**: 3g
– **Sugar**: 2g
These values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
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#### **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
**1. Can I use frozen shrimp?**
Yes, but thaw them first by running under cold water or placing in the refrigerator overnight.
**2. Can I substitute the pasta?**
Absolutely. Try fettuccine, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
**3. Can I make it dairy-free?**
Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
**4. How do I store leftovers?**
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
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#### **Final Thoughts**
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that never fails to impress. With its flavorful garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy an easy, delicious dinner that feels like dining out at a fine Italian restaurant.
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#### **Visual Guide**
1. **Cooking the Shrimp**: Juicy shrimp turning pink in the skillet.
2. **Mixing the Pasta**: Spaghetti tossed with shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
3. **Final Garnish**: Fresh parsley sprinkled over the plated dish.
Make this **Garlic Shrimp Pasta** tonight and savor every bite of this delightful homemade meal!
