Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked shell pasta, glistening with golden garlic and succulent shrimp, that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. This Shells Shrimp and Garlic Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both easy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of shell pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden.
- Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully pour in 1/2 cup of white wine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld together.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained shell pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Toss everything together gently, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, mixing well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. Then, serve the Shells Shrimp and Garlic Pasta warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If possible, buy them the same day you're cooking.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil can elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Time Your Cooking: Coordinate pasta and shrimp cooking to ensure everything is hot and perfectly cooked simultaneously.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Minced fresh garlic provides a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
- Wine Selection: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
