Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, lavishly coated with a creamy Parmesan sauce, and studded with succulent, perfectly seared shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a quick yet sophisticated dinner, this recipe is your golden ticket to instant kitchen hero status!
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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
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 spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add drained pasta and cooked shrimp. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Tip: Always pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking. Moisture prevents that beautiful golden sear and can make your shrimp steam instead of caramelize.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never discard all your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces that perfectly coat every strand of pasta.
- Garlic Alert: Watch your garlic like a hawk! It can burn quickly and turn bitter. Sauté for just 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Cheese Wisdom: Grate your Parmesan fresh if possible. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly and can taste less vibrant.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 135mg
