Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Some of the best meals are those that are both incredibly delicious and wonderfully simple to make. This recipe for Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is the perfect example. It takes succulent shrimp, sizzling in a rich garlic butter sauce, and pairs it with light, tender spaghetti. This is a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but can actually be whipped up in just about 15 minutes, making it a dream come true for busy weeknights. It’s a family favorite that is guaranteed to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant simplicity.

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Why I love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver a big punch of flavor without a lot of fuss, and this one has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen. The real magic of this dish is its efficiency. Everything happens in a single skillet and a pot for the pasta, which means minimal cleanup and a whole lot of flavor. The key is how the garlic butter sauce is built directly in the same pan as the shrimp, capturing all the savory juices. The pasta water, a chef’s secret, is what truly ties everything together, creating a silky, cohesive sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti. It’s a satisfying, comforting meal that feels far more indulgent than it actually is.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (to personal taste)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Olive oil (3 drizzles)
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh ground pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil, according to taste)

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Swaps and Notes

• Shrimp: The recipe calls for medium shrimp, which are a great size. However, you can use any size you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time; smaller shrimp will cook faster, and larger shrimp may need an extra minute or two.
• Pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but this recipe works wonderfully with other types of pasta as well. Linguine, fettuccine, or even a shorter pasta like penne would be a great alternative.
• Garlic: The amount of garlic is completely up to your personal taste. The recipe suggests 6-8 cloves, which creates a very garlicky and savory sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can start with 4 cloves and add more as you go.
• Seasoning: The combination of Italian seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt is a perfect balance of savory and spicy. You can also add other herbs like fresh oregano or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for an extra burst of brightness.
• Add-ins: This is a very flexible recipe. For extra color and nutrients, you could add a handful of spinach at the end, or some halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water, along with a drizzle of olive oil and any fresh herbs you want to use. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it is tender. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, wash your shrimp and make sure they are deveined with the tails removed. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the pan. Let the shrimp cook for a few minutes until they just begin to turn pink and curl.
4. Add the Garlic and Oil: Once the shrimp have just started to cook, add the minced garlic and a few drizzles of olive oil to the pan. Continue to stir until the shrimp are fully pink and curled, which should take another 5−7minutes total.
5. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Add your desired seasonings: Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
6. Toss and Finish: Using tongs, toss all the ingredients together in the skillet until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce and all the seasonings are incorporated. Add more pasta water a little at a time until the spaghetti is no longer dry but not swimming in liquid either. Keep tossing and cooking for a minute or two until everything is hot.
7. Serve: Transfer the garlic shrimp spaghetti to plates and serve immediately while it’s still piping hot.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. You want it to be tender and juicy, not rubbery. Cook just until it turns pink and curls into a C-shape.
• Save the Pasta Water: This is a crucial step for a restaurant-quality sauce. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the butter and oil, creating a rich, silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
• Build Flavor in Layers: Seasoning the shrimp as it cooks and then adding more seasoning at the end with the pasta ensures that every component is flavorful.
• Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet is essential for tossing all the ingredients together without making a mess. It allows the pasta to get coated evenly in the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread would be perfect for sopping up any extra garlic butter sauce.

For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio would complement the light, savory flavors of the shrimp and garlic.

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Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

This is a high-protein, satisfying meal. The shrimp provides lean protein, while the pasta gives you carbohydrates for energy. The fats in the dish come from the butter and olive oil. You can make this meal a little lighter by reducing the amount of butter and using a whole wheat pasta.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheating the shrimp in the microwave can make it a little tough, so it’s best to gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is one of those recipes that proves delicious, impressive meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that I hope will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how you enjoyed this quick and easy meal!