Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Marinate Time
20 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
449 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Description
This recipe begins by marinating shrimp in minced garlic, sliced onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, intensifying flavor before cooking. Pasta is boiled al dente and reserved water is kept to adjust sauce consistency. The shrimp are cooked briefly until they curl properly (not too tight or straight), preserving tenderness.
The sauce preparation uses flour combined with clam juice and white wine or broth to create a lightly thickened base. Butter and chopped parsley add richness and freshness. Combining shrimp and pasta with this sauce results in a savory, slightly spicy dish with garlic and seafood nuances.
Serving pairs well with lighter sides or a simple salad. The recipe suggests optionally adding tomato sauce for a different flavor profile. Attention to garlic cooking prevents bitterness, and salting pasta water seasons the pasta internally, boosting overall taste.
Adding milk or cream to the sauce can increase creaminess if desired. Avoid overcooking the garlic when preparing the shrimp to keep its flavor clean and aromatic.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds Shrimp around 25, peeled, deveined, tail discarded, large
- 1 small onion diced or thinly sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or a little more to completely coat shrimp
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 pound pasta your favorite variety
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup clam juice
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth or apple juice
- ½ cup parsley chopped, fresh
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic, sliced onions, ¼ cup oil, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add shrimp to bowl and toss until the shrimp is totally coated. Let shrimp marinate on the counter for about 20 minutes.
- Place a pot of water with some salt on the stove. Prepare pasta according to package directions until the pasta is al dente. Reserve a half a cup or so of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp until no longer pink or in a perfect C shape. If they're straight they're usually undercooked. If they form a ring or O, they're overcooked.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once skillet is hot add shrimp with all of the marinade. Arrange shrimp in a single layer. Make sure all the shrimp lay flat on the pan. Leave it there and do not touch it until oil starts to bubble a little. This should take less than 2-3 minutes. No more. Remove shrimp from skillet. I use a slotted spoon or tongs to do this. Set aside. Add red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes until onions are tender. Stir regularly.
- Sprinkle flour all over onion mixture and keep on stirring. After a minute or two add wine and continue to stir. Add clam juice and parsley. Cook for another couple of minutes. Mixture should start to thicken. Add butter and once melted remove from heat. Add in shrimp and then pasta. Stir some more until totally incorporated. Add some of the reserved pasta water if you feel sauce is too thick. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce increases creaminess and smooth texture.
- Take care not to burn the garlic during shrimp cooking to avoid bitter flavors.
- Salt pasta water well to improve pasta seasoning and flavor integration in the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 449 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 449kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 68g | 23% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 919mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 453mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 473IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 84mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.