15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; Salt for boiling water; 250g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Instant Quick Meals Inspiration

A quick and delicious meal that combines succulent shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a garlic-infused sauce.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2025-12-30T17:55:34.370Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights. With fresh shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this dish is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes
Packed with fresh flavors that elevate any meal
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion

      

Quick Cooking Tips

When preparing this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta, efficiency is key. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools beforehand. This not only saves time but also ensures you won’t forget any essential components. Have a pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for sautéing shrimp, and a colander ready for draining the pasta.

Make sure to use a large pot for boiling your spaghetti. This allows the pasta to cook evenly without sticking together. Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the pasta’s flavor, making it a crucial step you shouldn't skip. Remember, the water should taste like the sea!

For the shrimp, fresh is best. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they sear instead of steam in the skillet. This will give you that wonderful texture and flavor that makes this dish so delectable.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your taste. For a heartier meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious burst of flavor and nutrition.

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Leftovers can also be transformed into a delightful lunch the next day. Just reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or a touch of broth to keep the pasta moist. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch, and you'll have a meal that feels just as good as fresh.

Ingredients

Pasta

200g spaghetti
Salt for boiling water

Shrimp

250g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp Pasta!

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. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, pour in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is a great source of high-quality protein, low in calories, and rich in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Pairing it with whole wheat spaghetti increases fiber content, making this dish a balanced choice for any meal.

The olive oil used in the sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Incorporating fresh garlic not only enhances flavor but also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential immune-boosting effects. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a meal that's both tasty and nutritious.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the pasta.

Freezing is another option if you want to enjoy this dish later. However, it's best to freeze the shrimp separately from the pasta to preserve their texture. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned above. This way, you'll still get that fresh taste even after freezing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

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

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is great, but feel free to use any pasta you like!

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and just cook the shrimp and pasta when ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.