15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Smart Recipes

This quick and flavorful 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party. Packed with succulent shrimp and a hint of garlic, it's a dish you'll crave.

Juniper Hale

Created by

Juniper Hale

Last updated on 2025-12-30T21:31:34.454Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful meal that combines the richness of shrimp with the zest of garlic and the comfort of pasta. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for those who want a fast yet delicious dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation for busy nights
  • Savory garlic flavor that complements tender shrimp
  • A satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the ideal choice. Its simplicity and elegance make it suitable for a variety of occasions. The vibrant flavors of garlic and shrimp pair beautifully, creating a dish that's both satisfying and gourmet.

This recipe not only saves time but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, to elevate the dish further. The versatility of this pasta means you can easily adapt it to suit seasonal ingredients or personal preferences.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It's a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, shrimp is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine, contributing to overall well-being.

Incorporating shrimp into your meals can help support brain health and boost metabolism. The omega-3 fatty acids found in shrimp are beneficial for heart health, making this dish a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor. Enjoying this pasta means indulging in a meal that's both tasty and good for you.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

To achieve perfectly cooked spaghetti, always start by using plenty of salted water. This not only prevents the pasta from sticking together but also enhances its flavor. Remember to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to ensure even cooking and to prevent clumping.

Once the spaghetti is al dente, don't forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later on to adjust the consistency, giving your garlic shrimp pasta an even more luxurious texture. These small tips can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality in just fifteen minutes!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 200g spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp

  • 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Mix and match with your favorite pasta type!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!

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Pro Tips

  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers of this delightful Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you're in luck! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day.

When it comes to reheating, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Stir until heated through, and enjoy your quick and delicious meal once more!

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the flavors of your Garlic Shrimp Pasta, consider serving it with a fresh side salad or some crusty garlic bread. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta, while garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for any remaining sauce.

For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with lemon would pair beautifully with this dish. These options enhance the overall dining experience and create a delightful meal that you and your guests will remember.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

→ What other pasta can I use?

You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance and cook them just before serving.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This quick and flavorful 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party. Packed with succulent shrimp and a hint of garlic, it's a dish you'll crave.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Juniper Hale

Recipe Type: Smart Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 200g spaghetti
  2. Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp

  1. 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 20g