15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick Food

Deliciously quick and easy, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a fancy dinner in no time.

Octavia Bellamy

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:58:34.407Z

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the succulent taste of shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic and herbs, all in just 15 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
  • Flavorful garlic sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully
  • A satisfying meal that feels gourmet without the hassle

A Quick Gourmet Dish

When you're short on time but still want to impress, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your go-to solution. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like it’s been prepared in a high-end restaurant. The combination of garlic and shrimp is timeless, making it a favorite for many seafood lovers. Plus, with the pasta cooked to perfection, you won't have to compromise on flavor or presentation.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to enhance its nutritional value and flavor profile. This way, you can customize the dish to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or a meal for the family, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a weeknight meal, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta fits the bill perfectly. It’s casual enough for a family dinner yet elegant enough to serve guests. The rich garlic sauce and succulent shrimp create a dish that feels indulgent but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Moreover, the beauty of this dish lies in its ability to adapt to any occasion. You can dress it up with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for a more refined touch. Alternatively, keep it simple for a laid-back meal. Regardless of the occasion, this pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Storing and Reheating

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and garlic mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and quick garlic shrimp pasta!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and can help reduce blood pressure, making this dish a heart-healthy option.

Pasta, when chosen in whole grain or vegetable-infused varieties, adds fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a well-rounded meal. By including fresh parsley as a garnish, you also incorporate vitamins A, C, and K, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of this dish.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the flavors of the shrimp and garlic beautifully, making each bite more enjoyable. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon also enhances the meal’s freshness.

For a complete meal, serve this dish alongside a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables. The crunch and acidity from the salad will balance the richness of the pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a light dessert, such as sorbet or fresh fruit, to cleanse the palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

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

→ What if I don't have spaghetti?

Any pasta type will work, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even penne.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would be great additions.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Deliciously quick and easy, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a fancy dinner in no time.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Octavia Bellamy

Recipe Type: Quick Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: Serves 4

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 8 oz spaghetti
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  5. 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 03

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and garlic mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra touch of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g