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; 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Smart Quick Meals Recipes

This quick and easy 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-30T21:33:34.625Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With its garlic-infused sauce and succulent shrimp, it's sure to become a family favorite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
Garlic and shrimp create a deliciously aromatic dish
Perfectly paired with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal

      

A Quick Weeknight Solution

When you're pressed for time but still want a delicious meal, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta comes to the rescue. It's specifically designed for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is ready to impress in no time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a gourmet meal that rivals your favorite restaurant offerings. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy a fresh and flavorful dish any night of the week, making it a go-to option for families and individuals alike.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the shrimp, which brings a delightful sweetness to the pasta. When paired with garlic and olive oil, these ingredients create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the olive oil and enhancing the overall taste. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a fresh herbaceous note that elevates the dish. Together, these components create a harmonious blend that’s sure to satisfy any palate.

Perfect for Customization

One of the best aspects of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. While the recipe is already packed with flavor, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Consider adding seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to a well-rounded meal.

Feel free to adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes, or even adding a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. This recipe serves as a fantastic base, allowing you to experiment and make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti
Salt for boiling water

For the Garlic Shrimp

300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with shrimp, along with reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Perfect Pasta

To achieve the perfect al dente pasta, make sure to salt your boiling water generously before adding the spaghetti. This not only flavors the pasta but also helps in achieving that ideal texture. Remember to taste the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest, as cooking times can vary depending on the brand.

After draining your pasta, avoid rinsing it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces adhere better, meaning your garlic shrimp sauce will cling beautifully to the noodles, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the dish perfectly, adding freshness and crunch.

For a complete meal, consider serving it with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity and crispness of the wine will enhance the flavors of the shrimp and lemon, creating a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the pasta and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, reheating carefully will help retain its delicious flavors. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the shrimp tender and the pasta from becoming mushy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

→ What other pasta can I use?

You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time for quicker cooking.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.