Speedy Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Classic Pasta

Succulent shrimp dancing across silky spaghetti strands creates a Mediterranean culinary dream that tantalizes taste buds.

Seafood lovers understand the magic of perfectly balanced pasta dishes with robust flavors.

Delicate marine proteins merge seamlessly with hearty noodles, revamping ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Mediterranean coastal influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated recipe that captures ocean-fresh essence.

Rich umami notes intertwine with bright, zesty undertones, promising a dining experience that transports you to sunny seaside terraces.

Herbs and spices elevate each twirled forkful, making this dish more than just another dinner option.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this shrimp spaghetti promises restaurant-quality satisfaction right in your kitchen.

A Pasta Dish That’s Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful

• Savor Quick Seafood Delight: This shrimp spaghetti recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples transform into an elegant dish with minimal effort, combining fresh shrimp, butter, garlic, and parmesan to create a creamy, zesty pasta that feels luxurious yet incredibly easy to prepare.
• Master One-Pan Magic: The recipe brilliantly uses a single pan for the entire cooking process, reducing cleanup time and allowing flavors to build naturally from the shrimp's initial searing to the final sauce creation, making it ideal for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like adjustable spice levels from crushed red pepper and optional fresh herbs mean you can personalize this dish to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile go-to recipe for family dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Everything You Need for Shrimp Spaghetti Night

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces and seafood.

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender protein that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with pasta.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich and aromatic base for creating a flavorful sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that provides depth and creaminess to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Salt, Crushed Red Pepper: Key seasonings that enhance and add a subtle heat to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

Cooking Shrimp and Pasta in Sync

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water following package instructions. Drain pasta, keeping one cup of pasta water aside for later use.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

• Shrimp
• Salt
• Crushed red pepper

Cook until shrimp turn pink and look fully cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Flavor

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until garlic becomes aromatic and slightly golden, around 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Lemon juice
• Reserved pasta water
• Parmesan cheese
• Flour

Stir ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add spaghetti and gently toss everything together, ensuring pasta is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the spaghetti and top with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your delightful seafood pasta!

Tips to Keep Shrimp Juicy and Noodles Just Right

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose plump, firm shrimp with a mild sea scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Cooking Time: Watch shrimp closely and cook just until pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep the starchy liquid to help create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti.
• Balance Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat and flavor intensity.
• Quick Tossing Technique: Gently fold pasta and shrimp in sauce to ensure even coating without breaking delicate ingredients.

Saving and Reheating Without Losing That Bite

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled shrimp spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Best Pairings for a Shrimp Spaghetti Feast

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the lemony, buttery shrimp spaghetti. Their bright, acidic notes cut through the richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Select Zesty Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the dish's citrusy undertones. The peppery greens provide a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toasted ciabatta or French bread rubbed with garlic butter serves as an ideal accompaniment. Its crispy texture and savory profile beautifully balance the tender shrimp and silky sauce.
• Serve with Chilled Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge cleanses the palate between bites. Its effervescence helps cut through the butter and cheese, creating a balanced dining experience.

Sauce and Add-In Variations for Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace crushed red pepper with harissa paste and add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Garlic Herb Version: Incorporate cream cheese and fresh chopped basil into the sauce for a richer, more herbaceous texture.
• Zesty Cajun Shrimp Style: Substitute parmesan with sharp cheddar, add Cajun seasoning, and include diced bell peppers for a New Orleans-inspired approach.
• Light Lemon Seafood Remix: Use white wine instead of pasta water, add fresh dill, and include scallops alongside shrimp for a more complex seafood experience.

Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean shrimp spaghetti delivers ocean-fresh flavors with zesty garlic and herbs. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, elegant dish that brings coastal Italian charm right to their dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Staples:

• 8 ounces (226 g) spaghetti
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized pot with vigorously boiling water to cook the spaghetti until perfectly al dente, ensuring to preserve a cup of the starchy pasta liquid before draining.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature, gently melting butter until it shimmers and releases a rich, nutty aroma.
3. Introduce succulent shrimp to the buttery pan, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and fiery crushed red pepper flakes, allowing them to transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent, roughly 3 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their delicate texture and warmth.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing until the kitchen fills with an aromatic, pungent fragrance.
6. Pour in fresh lemon juice, gradually incorporating the reserved pasta water, creating a silky sauce enhanced with grated parmesan cheese and a light dusting of flour to provide luxurious body and smoothness.
7. Reunite the tender spaghetti and seared shrimp within the skillet, delicately tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the zesty, creamy sauce.
8. Plate the dish with an elegant flourish, garnishing with additional parmesan and finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness.

Notes

• Quick weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal.
• Uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor with buttery, lemony sauce and succulent shrimp.
• Pasta water is crucial for creating a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti strands.
• Cooking shrimp just until pink prevents rubbery texture and maintains delicate, tender protein.
• Fresh parsley adds bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of butter and parmesan.
• Keep extra pasta water on hand in case sauce needs additional moisture or thinning while combining ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg