Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal fast. This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti recipe is great for busy people. It’s packed with juicy shrimp, garlic, and creamy sauce, ready in 20 minutes.
Shrimp is full of vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium. Garlic has allicin, which fights inflammation and is antioxidant. This easy seafood pasta is tasty and good for you.
This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is perfect for a quick dinner or a big gathering. It’s loved by kids and has the right mix of protein, carbs, and fats. It’s great for any time you want a tasty, healthy meal.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Making garlic shrimp pasta is simpler than you might think. You’ll need a few key ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Let’s go over what you need to make the perfect garlic shrimp spaghetti.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cooked spaghetti pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Tools
You’ll need a few tools to make this shrimp pasta:
- A large skillet for cooking the shrimp and sauce
- A pasta pot for boiling the spaghetti
- A bowl for marinating the shrimp before cooking
With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a tasty garlic shrimp spaghetti dish.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 469 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 188 mg |
| Sodium | 1096 mg |
| Calcium | 93 mg |
Steps to Prepare Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Get ready to make a tasty Italian shrimp dish in just 20 minutes! This garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe is easy and fun. Follow these simple steps to make this flavorful dish.
Cooking the Spaghetti
First, boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the spaghetti, saving a cup of the cooking water.
Preparing the Garlic Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re done.
In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer. Then, add some pasta water to make a creamy sauce.
Now, toss the cooked spaghetti, shrimp, and sauce together. Heat it for 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
And there you have it – a delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta dish ready to enjoy! With just a few simple steps, you can make this tasty dish at home.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp
To make the ultimate shrimp scampi spaghetti, focus on a few important details. Choose the right shrimp and learn how to prepare garlic. These tips will guide you to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
For the best shrimp scampi spaghetti, pick large or extra-large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp work well. Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
Garlic Preparation Techniques
For the garlic, use minced fresh garlic or garlic paste for ease and flavor. Mince it finely to add its aromatic essence to the dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can make the taste bitter.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 4g |
| Calories | 330kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32.63g |
| Protein | 15.64g |
| Fat | 14.87g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.08g |
| Cholesterol | 120.96mg |
| Sodium | 477.05mg |
| Potassium | 174.78mg |
| Fiber | 1.67g |
| Sugar | 1.21g |
| Vitamin A | 631.8IU |
| Vitamin C | 12.18mg |
| Calcium | 88.88mg |
| Iron | 2.12mg |
The secret to a perfect shrimp scampi spaghetti is balancing tender shrimp with aromatic garlic. Follow these tips to create a delicious meal at home.
Making Your Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Healthier
Enjoying garlic shrimp spaghetti doesn’t mean you have to give up on health. A few tweaks can make this dish healthier without losing flavor. Here are some tips to make your shrimp linguine or garlic prawns spaghetti better for you.
Choosing Whole Wheat Pasta
Switching to whole wheat pasta is a simple way to add more fiber and nutrients. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and complex carbs. These can help you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
Adding fresh veggies to your garlic shrimp spaghetti boosts its nutritional value. Try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. They bring color, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can even use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
To make the dish even healthier, use less cream and more broth in the sauce. This keeps it flavorful but reduces calories.
| Nutritional Comparison | Traditional Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti | Healthier Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 367 kcal | Approximately 25% fewer calories |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | Reduced by 50% using olive oil instead of butter |
| Sodium | 831mg | Decreased by 5% using fresh garlic instead of garlic salt |
| Fiber | 2g | Increased by approximately 3g per serving with whole wheat pasta |
| Protein | 28g | Shrimp provides around 20g of protein per serving |
| Vitamin C | 15% of daily requirements | Garlic is a rich source of Vitamin C |
With a few smart changes and the right ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier garlic shrimp spaghetti. It’s still delicious and packed with nutrients.
Flavor Enhancements for Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Boosting the taste of your Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is simple. Adding herbs and spices can elevate this Italian shrimp dish. The right olive oil adds a rich, tasty finish.
Herbs and Spices to Consider
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme add a burst of flavor. Sprinkle them over the dish before serving for a vibrant look. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Old Bay seasoning also pairs well with seafood.
The Role of Olive Oil
The quality of olive oil greatly affects your Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti. Choose extra virgin olive oil for a fruity taste. It enhances the garlic, herbs, and spices, blending them beautifully. Drizzle olive oil on top for a luxurious finish.
Feel free to mix different herbs and spices to create your ideal Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti taste. The right mix of aromatics and olive oil can turn this dish into a culinary masterpiece.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect garlic shrimp spaghetti dish needs careful attention. Stay away from these common mistakes to make sure your meal is perfect every time.
Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp are delicate and cook fast, usually in 3-4 minutes. If you overcook them, they become tough and rubbery. This can ruin the dish. Watch the shrimp closely as they cook. Remove them from the heat when they’re pink and look opaque.
Skipping the Pasta Water
Remember to save some pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This water is essential for binding the garlic shrimp sauce to the pasta. It makes the dish silky and smooth. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water to your sauce for the best taste.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you make a delicious garlic shrimp pasta dish. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Once your easy seafood pasta with garlic butter shrimp is ready, it’s time to make the meal special. Choose side dishes and wine that match the flavors of your dish. This will make your meal balanced and enjoyable.
Best Side Dishes
- Garlic bread: It’s a classic choice, adding crunch and a garlicky taste to the sauce.
- Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with greens, veggies, and a light dressing can cut the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini roasted in the oven. They add color and texture.
Pairing It with Wine
The garlic butter shrimp pasta goes well with light, crisp white wines. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay are great choices.
Enjoy your easy seafood pasta right away for the best taste and texture. Add some Parmesan cheese and parsley for a fancy touch.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Your quick and delicious shrimp spaghetti dinner may leave you with tasty leftovers. To keep your shrimp spaghetti tasting great, it’s important to store and reheat it right.
Proper Storage Techniques
Put leftover shrimp spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out, as it can spoil. Keeping it moist is key.
Best Methods for Reheating
To reheat your shrimp spaghetti dinner, use the stovetop. Add a bit of water or broth to the pasta. Then, warm it over low to medium heat, stirring now and then.
Don’t use the microwave for reheating. It can make the shrimp tough and the pasta dry. It’s better to reheat the pasta and shrimp separately, then mix them.
If you want to use the oven, set it to 275°F. Put the shrimp spaghetti in a dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
Remember to add some olive oil, garlic, or fresh herbs to your leftover shrimp spaghetti dinner. It will make the flavors pop.
Variations on Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
The classic garlic shrimp spaghetti is a favorite for weeknights. But, you can make it even better. Try adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a creamy sauce. This makes the dish richer and more indulgent, with the shrimp still in the spotlight.
Want a spicy twist? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This spicy version will excite your taste buds. You can also try different pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine for a new look.
For a lighter choice, use olive oil instead of cream. Mix garlic, herbs, and lemon juice with the spaghetti and shrimp. This version brings out the shrimp’s sweetness and lets you add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and health.