Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in my Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Jumbo shrimp are sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine, then tossed with linguine in a buttery, zesty sauce. Garnished with Parmesan and parsley, it's a flavorful, easy dinner.
Simple, Rich, and Full of Flavor!
When it comes to pasta, you can never go wrong—especially with a dish that packs a punch like this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines tender shrimp with a fiery garlic butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Whether you're cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is all about big flavors and easy prep. Just imagine: juicy shrimp, a hint of heat, and creamy pasta in one bowl. Dive in and discover why this spicy, garlicky delight is about to become your new go-to meal!
THE SAUCE IS THE KEY
Now, I love all forms of pasta! But, if the sauce isn’t ON POINT, it’s not worth eating at all! The star of this recipe is its olive oil and butter sauce. It is rich with lots of fresh herbs and a dash of acid. It also has a slight kick at the end of the red pepper flakes. Whenever making fresh sauces, I always suggest using quality and fresh ingredients. You will be able to taste the difference in the end.
A well-balanced olive oil is always the best choice for a simple pasta recipe like this. Make sure that the olive is not bitter but rounded in flavor. You’ll want to cook with the olive oil and finish the pasta with it.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta ingredients:
This is one of those types of meals that you’ll want to have all year long! The flavors are fresh and overwhelmingly delicious. Plus, the ingredients are not hard to find at all! Trust me, your local grocery store has more than enough of each ingredient.
Remember, it’s always best to use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better the meal. Let’s walk through them to see how we can use them!
Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp provide a succulent, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the spicy and garlicky sauce. Their natural sweetness balances the heat and enhances the overall flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for shrimp): Coating the shrimp in olive oil ensures a golden, crisp sear while infusing them with a rich, fruity undertone. It helps to bring out the shrimp's natural flavors.
Salt: Salt enhances the sweetness of the shrimp and helps to season the pasta and sauce evenly. It brings out the best in all the other flavors.
Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds subtle heat and depth to the shrimp, complementing the spiciness of the red pepper flakes. It also balances the richness of the butter and olive oil.
Linguine or Fettucine: These pasta shapes are ideal for holding onto the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is coated with flavor. Their flat surfaces help to capture the sauce better than other types of pasta.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for pasta sauce): Used in the sauce, it adds a smooth, fruity flavor that melds with the butter to create a rich base. It helps to sauté the garlic and onion, enhancing their flavors.
Salted Butter: Butter adds a creamy, rich texture to the sauce, balancing the heat with its richness. The salt in the butter also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic heat, providing a pungent kick that complements the shrimp. It’s essential for the distinctive flavor of the dish.
Yellow Onion or Shallot: These add a sweet and savory base to the sauce, creating depth and complexity. Their mild flavor blends seamlessly with the garlic and spices.
Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes introduce a bold, spicy kick that defines the dish’s character. They are key to achieving the desired level of heat and complexity.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce. It also helps to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
White Wine: White wine deglazes the pan, lifting the flavorful bits from the bottom and adding a subtle depth to the sauce. It also contributes a touch of acidity and complexity.
Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the sauce’s consistency, helping it to cling to the pasta. The starchy water also adds a silky texture to the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the dish and provides a pop of color. It balances the richness and spiciness of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finish to the pasta, enhancing the overall richness and depth of flavor. It also complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti:
Y’all don’t understand how easy this was to make! I’m always down for a simple and easy recipe! This recipe needs to be added to your weekly dinner rotation. You will want to make this recipe over and over again because of how simple it is.
The full written recipe is below, but here’s an overview:
STEP 1: Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
STEP 2: Begin your Sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and 6 tbsp of salted butter. Heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion (or shallot) to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
STEP 3: Finish your Sauce. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
STEP 4: Add Red Pepper Flakes & Shrimp. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
STEP 5: Add the Pasta & Toss. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
STEP 6: Garnish & Serve. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little more parsley.
What to Serve with Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti:
This meal is great on its own, but there is nothing like having a few good side dishes! A simple salad will be perfect for this pasta recipe. This recipe goes with so many delicious sides. But here are just a few that I would recommend:
Homemade Garlic Bread
Mixed Green Salad
Roasted Broccoli
Skillet Green Beans
Roasted Asparagus
Caprese Salad
Bruschetta
I’d love to hear your feedback about this EASY Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Leave me a message in the comments section below. Remember to share and enjoy! Follow Be Greedy Eats on Pinterest and Instagram as well!
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