Indulge your taste buds with a dish that promises to transport you straight to the charming streets of Italy! Our Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce that will leave you craving more. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until it becomes slightly foamy and starts to shimmer.
- Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp, tossing to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and shrimp, stirring to create a light, creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always taste the spaghetti a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done to ensure it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp if possible. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
- Garlic Timing: Be cautious when sautéing the garlic; it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it’s fragrant to maintain a sweet garlic flavor.
- Cheese Love: For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more Parmesan cheese than the recipe calls for, or try mixing in some Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but you can also experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist.
- Serving Style: Serve the dish immediately for the best texture, and consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 462kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 153mg
