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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Heat a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature, gently melting butter until it shimmers and releases a rich, nutty aroma.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their delicate texture and warmth.
- Without cleaning the skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing until the kitchen fills with an aromatic, pungent fragrance.
- 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.
- Reunite the tender spaghetti and seared shrimp within the skillet, delicately tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the zesty, creamy sauce.
- 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