Name: Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed; 1 lb spaghetti (or alternative long pasta); 6–8 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Olive oil; Salt and black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped; Squeeze of lemon juice

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Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying without much fuss. Juicy shrimp, a garlicky olive oil sauce, and spaghetti come together in a harmony of simple but bold flavors that make this pasta hard to resist.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes minimal ingredients and turns them into a restaurant-worthy meal. The shrimp are tender and juicy, the garlic gives the sauce a deep aroma, and the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
1 lb spaghetti noodles
6–8 garlic cloves, minced
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon juice

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente, following the package directions.
While that’s happening, I heat a good swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, letting them sauté for about a minute—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Then I toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook them for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.
Once the pasta is done, I drain it and toss it right into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic.
I give it all a good toss so the noodles soak up that garlicky oil. Then I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
I finish it with a handful of chopped parsley and a big squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Served hot, it’s perfect every time.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: I sometimes add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if I’m craving extra heat.
Creamy version: A splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese stirred in at the end makes a rich, indulgent twist.
Gluten-free: I swap the spaghetti for my favorite gluten-free pasta without changing anything else.
Veggie boost: I throw in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Cheesy finish: I occasionally top it with grated parmesan or pecorino for a savory depth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen things up. I avoid the microwave if I can—shrimp can get rubbery fast.

FAQs

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

I make sure to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn tough quickly, so I keep a close eye.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I often do. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic, but I’ve also tried it with linguine, angel hair, and even penne—they all work great.

Can I make this dish ahead?

I prefer it fresh, but I sometimes prep the garlic and shrimp earlier in the day to save time. I cook everything right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes when making it for kids—they still love the garlicky shrimp and noodles.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of my all-time favorite quick dinners. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor, with a simple elegance that makes it feel special even on an ordinary weeknight. I keep it in regular rotation and always look forward to it—it never disappoints.