15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; Salt, for pasta water; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Simple Meals

Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner.

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:40:33.972Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp with a garlic-infused sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 15 minutes!
Succulent shrimp with rich garlic flavor
A satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup

      

A Quick Weeknight Dinner

In our busy lives, it can be challenging to prepare a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is designed with the modern cook in mind. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also delivers on flavor and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your family will love. The succulent shrimp paired with al dente spaghetti offers a delightful texture and taste, while the garlic and lemon elevate the dish to new heights.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

The ingredients in this recipe are not only easy to find, but they also bring a burst of flavor to the table. Fresh garlic and red pepper flakes infuse the shrimp with a rich taste that pairs perfectly with the pasta. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity, balancing the richness of the olive oil and making each bite irresistible.

Using high-quality shrimp is essential for this dish. Look for wild-caught shrimp if possible, as they tend to have a more robust flavor compared to farmed shrimp. And don't forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top; it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that ties the dish together beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking pasta may seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Start by salting your pasta water generously; it should taste like the sea. This step enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after being drained.

Another important tip is to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later if you need to loosen it up, ensuring a silky finish. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the final texture of your dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water

For the Garlic Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Enjoy your delicious garlic shrimp pasta!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the garlic shrimp mixture.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to help revive the dish's original texture.

For best quality, it's recommended to consume the dish fresh, as shrimp can become tough if reheated multiple times. However, if you're careful, you can enjoy this delightful meal a second time without any loss of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the shrimp.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider topping your pasta with additional red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! You can easily swap out the spaghetti for another type of pasta, such as linguine or penne, based on your preference. Additionally, adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can introduce more nutrition and color to the dish.

For a creamier version, you could stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile staple in your culinary repertoire.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is ideal, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta instead.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.