Shrimp Spaghetti: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take forever to make? This Shrimp Spaghetti recipe combines the richness of butter and Parmesan with a hint of zest from lemon and crushed red pepper. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just need a delicious meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti – The base of our dish, hearty and fulfilling.
- 4 Tbsp butter, divided – Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the dish, offering a juicy, seafood delight.
- 1/4 tsp salt – To enhance the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper – For a spicy kick.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – A must for a fragrant touch.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice – Brings a fresh, tangy edge.
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 3 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving – Brings a nutty, cheesy depth.
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For a burst of color and freshness.
Directions:
- Prep the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the shrimp with salt and crushed red pepper, then sauté until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and flour. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and is well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
This Shrimp Spaghetti is not only quick to whip up but also delightfully delicious. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something a little special without too much effort. Enjoy this seafood pasta with a glass of your favorite white wine for a truly exquisite meal!
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Shrimp Spaghetti
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulge in the simple elegance of our Shrimp Spaghetti, a dish that effortlessly combines the rich flavors of seafood with the comforting embrace of pasta. Tossed in a light lemon garlic sauce, each forkful offers a zesty burst that complements the succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp, making every bite a luxurious experience.
This recipe is not just a meal but a celebration of flavors that are both bold and balanced. Ideal for a quick dinner or a special weekend treat, it promises to satisfy your cravings for something light yet savory. It’s a culinary delight that brings the taste of Italy right into your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
4 Tbsp butter, divided
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions; drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, salt, and crushed red pepper; cook until shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and flour until combined.
Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back into the pan; toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve topped with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal