Are you looking to create a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that will impress your family or friends? Look no further than this scrumptious recipe for Shrimp Garlic Pasta. Packed with succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a touch of herbs, this dish is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Let’s get cooking!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Infuse the flavors: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine with the garlic oil mixture. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and give it a final toss. If the pasta seems dry, add more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Serve the Shrimp Garlic Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the delightful medley of flavors!
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a small gathering, this Shrimp Garlic Pasta recipe is sure to be a hit. The garlic-infused olive oil brings a rich depth of flavor to the succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese on top for that final touch of culinary finesse. Bon appétit!