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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) When I think of Garlic Shrimp Pasta, I envision a dish that bursts with flavor. It starts with the right base: spaghetti or linguine. You want to cook it just right. Use 8 oz for a perfect amount. Next, the star of the show, shrimp! A full pound of large shrimp adds a satisfying bite. Make sure to peel and devein them for the best experience. Olive oil is key. You’ll need 4 tablespoons to cook the shrimp and garlic. Together, they create a delightful aroma. Speaking of garlic, you cannot skip it. Four cloves, minced, will bring that rich taste. Now, for the flavor enhancers. A teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a kick. Adjust it to your taste; you may want more or less spice. The zest and juice of one lemon adds brightness. It cuts through the richness and makes each bite refreshing. For a touch of sweetness, cherry tomatoes are perfect. Use a cup, halved, to bring color and flavor. Don’t forget fresh parsley! A 1/4 cup, chopped, adds a burst of freshness. Salt and pepper will help balance it all. Lastly, if you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. It adds creaminess and depth. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delight. Enjoy crafting this quick and delightful meal! To make garlic shrimp pasta, follow these easy steps. You will have a tasty meal in no time! - Step 1: Boil salted water for pasta. Use a large pot. - Step 2: Cook pasta to al dente and reserve water. This takes about 8-10 minutes. - Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This should take about 2-3 minutes on each side. - Step 4: Set cooked shrimp aside on a plate. - Step 5: In the same skillet, add more olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Step 6: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. - Step 7: Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything with the cooked pasta. - Step 8: If the pasta looks dry, add some reserved pasta water. This helps it stick together. - Step 9: Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper. - Step 10: Optional: Add grated Parmesan cheese for serving. This adds great flavor! Now you have a delicious garlic shrimp pasta that is quick and full of flavor! For the full recipe, refer to the original listing above. Enjoy your cooking! To cook shrimp well, use medium heat. This helps shrimp cook evenly. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you cook too long, they become tough. Herbs and spices can add great taste. I recommend using fresh parsley, basil, or thyme. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste. Adjust it to your liking. Serve your garlic shrimp pasta in a big bowl or on individual plates. This looks nice and makes sharing easy. For a great touch, add lemon wedges and extra parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can complete the dish too. Serve it hot for the best experience. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delight. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta. These options cook well and taste great. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. You can use seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Cut them into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly and blend well with shrimp and pasta. To balance flavors, add veggies that complement each other. For example, sweet cherry tomatoes go well with bitter greens. If you want a change, you can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or scallops work great too. Cook chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until they are fully cooked. For scallops, cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. These swaps keep the dish exciting and flavorful. For the full recipe of Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delight, check out the details above! To keep your garlic shrimp pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp might lose its flavor and texture. To reheat without drying out the pasta, the stovetop method is best. Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan. Add the pasta and a splash of water. Stir often until warm. The microwave can work, but it may dry out the pasta. If you use the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help keep it moist. You can freeze garlic shrimp pasta, but it’s best to freeze it without the shrimp. Cook the pasta and sauce, then let it cool. Place in a freezer-safe container. It will last about two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop, adding fresh shrimp if desired. The texture may change after freezing, so expect a softer pasta. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Frozen shrimp are often just as good as fresh. They can save time and still taste great. If you use frozen shrimp, cook them for a minute or two longer. Make sure they turn pink and opaque before serving. You can use canola oil or avocado oil instead of olive oil. Both oils have a mild taste. Canola oil is lighter and cheaper. Avocado oil has a rich flavor that can enhance your dish. Each oil will change the taste a bit, so pick what you like best! To reduce the spice, use less red pepper flakes. You can also skip them entirely. Adding more cherry tomatoes will balance the heat too. Another option is to include a bit of cream or cheese. This will cool down the spice. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also sauté the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just heat everything when you're ready to eat. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post covered a delicious garlic shrimp pasta recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, simple step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. Don't forget the variations to customize your dish and make it special. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy the process and share your unique touch. Your guests will love the flavors, and you’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Enjoy a taste of the sea with this easy garlic shrimp pasta delight! This dish combines succulent shrimp, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and zesty lemon for a flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's simple to make and sure to impress. Discover the full recipe and get cooking today! Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to elevate your dining experience.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add Tomatoes and Lemon: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

            Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for an appetizing touch.