Craving something flavorful and fast? This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your answer! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The zesty kick from the chili flakes and the aromatic garlic perfectly complement the tender shrimp and al dente pasta.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. It’s also packed with selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect your body from damage. Garlic, a star ingredient here, is known for its potential immune-boosting properties and has been linked to heart health benefits. Pasta, when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal, provides carbohydrates for energy. Overall, this dish offers a good balance of macronutrients.
Ingredients Needed
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step By Step Making
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
- Sauté garlic and chili: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Deglaze the pan: If using, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Combine everything: Add the drained pasta, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss well to combine. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Value
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta contains approximately 550 calories per serving, with about 35 grams of protein and 60 grams of carbohydrates. The exact values can vary slightly depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.