Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Tender shrimp tossed in a garlicky, buttery lemon sauce, combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Quick, flavorful, and high in protein, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 –3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Salting the water is essential as it seasons the spaghetti from the inside out, enhancing its flavor. Once boiling, the water should bubble vigorously before adding the pasta.
- Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly: Add 8 ounces of spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until it reaches al dente—a firm yet tender bite. Stir occasionally throughout the cooking process. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Saving the pasta water is important for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
- Melt the Butter for Shrimp: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely. The butter should sizzle slightly, releasing its rich aroma, which forms the foundation for the shrimp’s flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the melted butter. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper evenly over the shrimp. Stir occasionally, ensuring each shrimp is coated in butter and seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns opaque and pink, curling slightly. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender, juicy shrimp. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside while keeping the skillet hot for the sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Immediately add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burned garlic can taste bitter and ruin the sauce. The sizzling butter with garlic creates a rich, aromatic base that will coat the spaghetti beautifully.
- Add Lemon Juice and Pasta Water: Turn off the heat temporarily and pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Then, slowly add the reserved pasta water, about ¼–½ cup at a time, depending on the sauce consistency you prefer. Stir to combine. The starchy pasta water helps create a silky, slightly thickened sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and fully incorporates into the buttery garlic sauce. This adds a creamy texture and a savory depth of flavor that balances the tang of the lemon juice.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss the spaghetti thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Ensure each strand is evenly coated, absorbing the flavors of garlic, butter, lemon, and parmesan. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Cooked Shrimp: Gently place the cooked shrimp on top of the spaghetti. Toss lightly once or twice to combine, being careful not to break the shrimp apart. This step ensures each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and tender shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. Optionally, you can add a little extra parmesan on top. Serve the Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti immediately while warm, as this dish tastes best fresh. Pair it with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use large, fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp work well, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s a secret ingredient that helps create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your heat preference. You can omit it for a mild version or increase slightly for a spicier kick.
- Freshly grated parmesan gives a richer flavor than pre-grated options, enhancing the creamy garlic sauce.
- This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
