Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delight

Featured in Pasta dishes that make everyone smile.

A seafood pasta dish that combines shrimp with spaghetti, flavored with garlic and a touch of lemon. Quick to make and packed with flavor.
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:21:50 GMT
A serving of pasta with shrimp and parsley in a black dish. Pin it
A serving of pasta with shrimp and parsley in a black dish. | Tasteofsavor.com

Shrimp pasta is a treasured classic in Mediterranean cuisine. This elegant yet simple dish combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of seafood and Italian flavors. The aroma of sautéed garlic fills the kitchen while bright lemon adds a refreshing touch that elevates the golden-brown shrimp and al dente pasta.

A Taste of the Mediterranean

This recipe captures the essence of coastal Italian cooking, where quality ingredients shine in uncomplicated preparations. Ready in just 30 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The succulent shrimp provide lean protein while garlic and lemon create a light, aromatic sauce. It has become a reliable weeknight favorite that never fails to satisfy.

Essential Ingredients

For this sun-kissed dish, gather 400g of linguine or spaghetti and 500g of fresh shrimp. The aromatic base comes from 4 cloves of garlic and premium olive oil. You'll need one juicy lemon, fresh parsley, and either white wine or broth for the sauce. Season with sea salt and black pepper, adding red pepper flakes for optional heat. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a classic finishing touch.

Cooking Method

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and golden. Add the shrimp, cooking briefly on each side until pink. Deglaze with broth or wine, add fresh lemon juice, and let the sauce reduce slightly. Toss the al dente pasta with the shrimp and sauce, finishing with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Des pâtes aux crevettes garnies de persil frais, présentées dans une poêle. Pin it
Des pâtes aux crevettes garnies de persil frais, présentées dans une poêle. | Tasteofsavor.com

Chef's Tips

For maximum flavor, marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper before cooking. When using frozen shrimp, pat them completely dry before adding to the pan - this ensures proper browning instead of steaming. These simple steps make the difference between good and exceptional results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make sure the pasta is cooked just right?
Check the cooking time on the package, and taste it a couple of minutes earlier. It should be firm but not hard in the middle.
→ Can frozen shrimp be used?
Absolutely, just thaw them completely in the fridge first. Be sure to drain them well to avoid extra water in your sauce.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little olive oil.
→ Is there something I can use instead of white wine?
Yes, you can use vegetable or seafood broth. Adding extra lemon juice can give it a similar fresh flavor.
→ What if the sauce ends up too thick?
Slowly mix in some of the pasta cooking water. Its starch content helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Spaghetti paired with shrimp in a garlic butter and lemon sauce. A refreshing seafood and pasta meal inspired by Italian traditions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 500 grams of peeled and deveined shrimp.
02 400 grams of linguine or spaghetti noodles.
03 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
04 4 minced garlic cloves.
05 The juice from one lemon.
06 1/4 cup of veggie broth or white wine (optional).
07 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste.
09 Red chili flakes (optional).
10 Grated Parmesan cheese to serve (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your linguine or spaghetti until they’re al dente, following the instructions on the package. Save about half a cup of the starchy water before draining.

Step 02

Heat half of the olive oil over medium heat in a big skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute till it’s fragrant.

Step 03

Add the shrimp to the pan, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink. Sprinkle in some black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if you like it spicy.

Step 04

Pour the wine or broth and squeeze in the lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 05

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir everything till it’s well-combined, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick.

Step 06

Take the dish off the stove, mix in the fresh parsley. Serve it up with some Parmesan on top, if you’d like.

Notes

  1. Keep the pasta water handy to get the sauce just the right texture.
  2. Feel free to skip the Parmesan if you prefer it dairy-free.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Big skillet.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.
  • Dairy (if using Parmesan).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
  • Protein: 35 g