Description
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
Salt for boiling water
For the Shrimp:
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
Garnish:
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss in the shrimp, season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
Stir in broth, heavy cream, and butter. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
Serve:
Plate the pasta and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
This spicy garlic shrimp pasta is a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and garlicky goodness. A quick and flavorful dish for pasta lovers!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by preparing all ingredients: mince garlic, chop parsley, grate Parmesan, and pat shrimp dry. 2. Salt boiling water generously and cook pasta. Just before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and chili flakes, stirring for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. 4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until just opaque, then transfer to a plate. 5. To the same skillet, add wine (if using) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 1 minute. 6. Add broth, cream, and butter. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce. 7. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan until melted into a smooth sauce. 8. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. 9. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta to warm through. 10. Garnish and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides. Serve with a classic Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus or broccoli. For a lighter meal, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and spice.
How-to Summary
Boil salted pasta, reserving water. Sauté garlic and chili flakes, then cook shrimp and set aside. Deglaze pan with wine, add broth, cream, and butter to simmer. Stir in Parmesan to create sauce. Toss cooked pasta in sauce, adding pasta water as needed. Return shrimp to pan, garnish with parsley and extra cheese, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish without alcohol? Absolutely. Simply omit the white wine and use an equal amount of additional chicken broth with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for acidity.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative instead of regular cheese.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the sauce to separate.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking to avoid steaming and a watery sauce.
How do I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of red chili flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more intense, direct heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough and rubbery. They cook quickly and continue to cook slightly when added back to the hot pasta.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to clump or become grainy. Always reduce the heat to low before stirring in the Parmesan.
- Skipping the step of reserving pasta water. The starchy water is crucial for binding the sauce to the pasta and achieving the perfect silky consistency.
- Browning or burning the garlic, which will make it bitter. Sauté it only until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
Conclusion
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to make at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly balanced meal with creamy, garlicky, and spicy flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization and is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights or impressive casual dinners. Remember, the key to success lies in proper ingredient prep and timing.