Description
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Delight, a dish that’s as perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner as it is for special occasions. This recipe combines tender shrimp and al dente spaghetti with a rich, garlic-infused sauce. Seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs and a hint of spice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add olive oil and fresh herbs to infuse the spaghetti with flavors as it cooks. Cook the spaghetti until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure optimal cooking.
3. Melt Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, preparing it for cooking the shrimp.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and start to curl, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the garlic to mellow and flavor the shrimp.
5. Add Olive Oil
Drizzle a bit of olive oil into the skillet. This helps to enhance the flavor and coats the pasta effectively.
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Incorporate seasonings such as Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine.
7. Incorporate Pasta Water
Gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Start with a 1/4 cup and add more if necessary, allowing the dish to become more cohesive.
8. Toss and Serve
Gently toss all ingredients together in the skillet until everything is well mixed and heated through. Make any final seasoning adjustments needed.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the spaghetti seems dry. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
The Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Delight is not only a feast for the senses with its aromatic, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp but also a versatile dish that adapts to your palate preferences. Whether spiced up with red pepper flakes or kept mellow with just herbs and garlic, it promises a fulfilling meal that brings comfort and sophistication to your table.
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Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Delight, a dish that’s as perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner as it is for special occasions. This recipe combines tender shrimp and al dente spaghetti with a rich, garlic-infused sauce. Seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs and a hint of spice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- Olive oil (about 3 drizzles)
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add olive oil and fresh herbs to infuse the spaghetti with flavors as it cooks. Cook the spaghetti until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure optimal cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, preparing it for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and start to curl, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the garlic to mellow and flavor the shrimp.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil into the skillet. This helps to enhance the flavor and coats the pasta effectively.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Incorporate seasonings such as Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Start with a 1/4 cup and add more if necessary, allowing the dish to become more cohesive.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together in the skillet until everything is well mixed and heated through. Make any final seasoning adjustments needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes