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Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines tender spaghetti, juicy shrimp, and a light garlicky olive oil sauce with a touch of lemon and parmesan for a quick, comforting dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 0.75 tsp fine sea salt, for seasoning shrimp
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 0.5 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season it with the kosher salt, and add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions until just al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  • While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them evenly with the fine sea salt and black pepper.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter until the butter is melted and just starting to foam.
  • Add half of the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are opaque and lightly golden in spots. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp, adding them to the same plate once cooked.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet, and let the butter melt.
  • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Pour in the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly reduce and form a light sauce.
  • Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss well in the garlicky sauce so the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices on the plate to the skillet, then add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and toss gently to combine everything.
  • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, toss again until the cheese melts lightly into the sauce, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.