Pasta with shrimp and garlic is a quick and delicious dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a light sauce makes this pasta dish both flavorful and satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
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Cook the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If not using wine, skip this step and go straight to adding the chicken broth.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
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Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and lemon zest and juice. Toss everything together to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
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Finish and Serve:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the pasta hot, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if overdone.
- Wine: Using white wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with chicken broth or simply skip it.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish, but adjust to your taste.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Pasta with Shrimp and Garlic!
