How to Make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

In this garlic shrimp spaghetti recipe, succulent shrimp are tossed in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce and placed on a bed of spaghetti noodles. It feels like a gourmet Italian meal, but it's easy enough for busy weeknights. It's a protein-rich meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes, and it can even be customized for dairy-free or gluten-free folks.

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– spaghetti noodles  – unsalted butter – extra-virgin olive oil – large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined  – salt – red pepper flakes (optional) – garlic cloves – fresh lemon juice – Parmesan cheese – fresh parsley

Recipe Ingredients

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Over high heat, bring a large pot of  (salted) water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. After pasta is cooked, set aside ½ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

Recipe Instructions

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Meanwhile, add butter and olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and add raw shrimp, salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for around 2 minutes, stirring occasionally and flipping once, until shrimp is opaque pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate.

Recipe Instructions

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In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add garlic and cook for one minute, until fragrant. Add cooked spaghetti  into the skillet, and pour in reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Use tongs to toss noodles until creamy and coated with sauce.

Recipe Instructions

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Place cooked shrimp on top of spaghetti and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Instructions

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Salt your pasta water. As the water is absorbed into  the noodles, the salt is absorbed along with it, giving it so much flavor. The ideal ratio for well-seasoned pasta water is ¾ teaspoon sea salt (or table salt) per 1 liter of water.

Recipe Tips

MEET MARYANNE 👋

I create easy recipes that are mainly vegetarian and vegan. And I have a huge sweet tooth, so dessert is never far behind!  Sign up to get recipes delivered to your inbox and get my FREE Guide on Money Saving Tips on Buying Groceries! 

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