Best Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garlicky shrimp tossed with pasta in a light butter and white wine sauce makes a quick, elegant family dinner. This high protein, mediterranean-inspired dish is fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 25 minutes.

Cook 25 min Difficulty EASY 445 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • large shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 lb
  • spaghetti 12 oz
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • dry white wine 0.5 cup
  • lemon (zest and juice) 1 piece
  • fresh parsley (chopped) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic (minced) 5 cloves
  • red pepper flakes 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 46 g 41%
Protein 25 g 22%
Fat 16 g 37%
Serving size 265g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

  4. 4

    In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.

  5. 5

    Pour in the white wine and cook for 2–3 minutes at a simmer, scraping up any browned bits, until sauce is slightly reduced. Add lemon zest and juice.

  6. 6

    Return the drained pasta to the pan, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss to coat pasta evenly.

  7. 7

    Add shrimp back to the pan along with chopped parsley, toss gently to heat through, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that make Garlic Shrimp Pasta so flavorful?
The core flavors come from large shrimp, plenty of fresh garlic, olive oil, and a splash of dry white wine. The combination of lemon zest, parsley, and a touch of butter creates a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired dish with bright, savory notes.
Q. How do I ensure perfectly cooked shrimp every time?
Shrimp cook rapidly and can become rubbery if overdone. For best texture, cook shrimp in a single layer over medium heat for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately remove them from the skillet once finished to avoid overcooking.
Q. What can I do if my pasta turns out dry or sticky?
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Adding some to the skillet when combining pasta and sauce helps loosen the mixture and allows the sauce to cling smoothly for a perfect, silky finish.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving have?
Each serving contains approximately 445 kcal, with 25g of protein and 46g of carbohydrates. Protein accounts for roughly 22% of the total calories, making this a high protein and nutrient-balanced family meal.
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