Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti: A 15-Minute Weeknight Wonder

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal but short on time? This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is your answer. Packed with flavor and ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh shrimp are cooked in a garlicky butter sauce and tossed with spaghetti for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Guide:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, one minute less than al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, until slightly thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They will become tough and rubbery.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream along with the pasta water.
• If you don’t have fresh Parmesan, you can substitute grated Romano cheese.
• This recipe is easily customizable. Add your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli for a more well-rounded meal.