15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: No-Fuss Meals

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:17:34.520Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a lifesaver for those evenings when time is of the essence. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
Rich garlic flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully
Light yet satisfying, making it a great option for any meal

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When time is of the essence, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your go-to recipe. It combines the ease of preparation with incredible flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want to serve something special. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking methods, you can whip up a satisfying meal that won't keep you in the kitchen for long.

This dish not only saves you time but also keeps your weeknight dinners exciting. The vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon elevate the dish, ensuring that even the busiest evenings can feel like a gourmet dining experience. Plus, with shrimp as the star ingredient, you're getting a healthy dose of protein while keeping the meal light.

Flavorful Ingredients

The success of this garlic shrimp pasta lies in its quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp are essential; they provide a succulent texture and a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic. Opt for large shrimp for a more satisfying bite, and don’t shy away from seasoning them well. Salt and pepper enhance the dish, but the red pepper flakes add a delightful kick without overwhelming the palate.

Garlic is the cornerstone of this recipe, infusing the entire dish with its aromatic essence. Sautéing garlic in olive oil releases its depth of flavor, creating a fragrant base that makes the shrimp shine. The addition of lemon juice brings brightness, balancing the richness of the olive oil and enhancing the overall taste profile.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your garlic shrimp pasta even further, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread. This allows you to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste. A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette can also complement the dish perfectly, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you might want to serve this pasta with extra red pepper flakes on the side or even a drizzle of chili oil. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the dish’s flavor, offering a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the 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.

Add the Shrimp

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

Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, along with lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. It's low in calories and high in protein, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, shrimp is rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and overall well-being.

Including shrimp in your meals can also be beneficial for weight management. The high protein content helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. This makes dishes like garlic shrimp pasta a smart option for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy flavorful food.

Customizing Your Pasta

One of the best things about this garlic shrimp pasta recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be thrown in during the last moments of cooking for added nutrition and color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the overall health factor of your meal.

You can also experiment with different pasta types. While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs. Each variation will offer a unique texture and taste, ensuring that you can enjoy this dish in multiple ways without getting bored.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for spaghetti?

You can use any pasta of your choice, such as linguine or fettuccine.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.