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shrimp pasta-1

Shrimp Pasta

This easy and delicious shrimp pasta combines juicy shrimp with al dente spaghetti in a garlicky, lemony olive oil sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with Mediterranean flair.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 320 grams dried spaghetti 80g per person.
  • 450 grams raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili or ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional).
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice from about 1 lemon.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • optional freshly grated parmesan for serving.
  • optional lemon wedges for serving.

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Zester or fine grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic (and chili, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
  3. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  4. Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir to deglaze, then add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
  5. Return the shrimp (with any juices) to the pan. Toss in chopped parsley. Mix everything gently until heated through.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, topped with parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For more flavor, add a splash of white wine after sautéing garlic.
Customize with cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or peas.
Use fettuccine or linguine instead of spaghetti if preferred.