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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and simple dish that’s bursting with flavor. It combines juicy shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon, tossed in perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special occasion. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)

For the Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra lemon wedges
  • Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Garlic Shrimp:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Add Wine (or Broth): Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and juice.

3. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:

  1. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
  2. Finish with Parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.

4. Serve:

  • Garnish: Serve the garlic shrimp pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and lemon wedges on the side for a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips and Variations:

  • Spice It Up: For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add Veggies: You can add fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
  • Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to make a creamy garlic shrimp pasta.

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a fantastic go-to meal when you’re craving something flavorful but easy to prepare. The combination of garlic, lemon, and perfectly cooked shrimp over pasta makes it an instant favorite!