Tasty Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Got a craving for a tasty meal that won't eat up your evening? This Garlic Shrimp Pasta hits the spot. It brings together plump shrimp, loads of garlic, and a buttery sauce with Italian herbs. Trust me, it tastes like something from your favorite restaurant but takes just minutes to whip up at home.

What You'll Need

• Shrimp (1 lb): Go for medium-sized ones with shells and tails already gone for easier eating.
• Spaghetti Noodles (1 lb): Feel free to cut back if cooking for fewer people, and pick whatever pasta you like best.
• Garlic (6-8 cloves): Chop them up fine to release that amazing smell and flavor throughout the dish.
• Butter (¼ cup): Creates that luscious feel and forms the base of your sauce.
• Olive Oil: Just three good splashes to boost flavor and keep things moist.
• Italian Seasoning: This herb mix really kicks the taste up a notch.
• Fresh Ground Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes: Toss in more or less depending on how spicy you want it.
• Salt and Fresh Herbs: Add enough to make it tasty, and throw some fresh herbs on top if you've got them.

Cooking Steps

Step 1:

Cook your pasta in water with a good pinch of salt until it's just right. Throw in some olive oil, salt, and any fresh herbs you have to make it tastier. Before you drain it, save 1 cup of that starchy water. Set your drained pasta aside.

Step 2:

As your pasta bubbles away, clean up your shrimp and get them ready to cook.

Step 3:

Grab a big pan and melt that butter over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and let them cook until they start looking pink and curling up.

Step 4:

When those shrimp start curling, throw in all that minced garlic. Let everything cook together for about 5-7 minutes, giving it a stir now and then.

Step 5:

Splash some olive oil over everything and keep stirring until your shrimp are completely pink and nicely curled.

Step 6:

Now dump your cooked pasta into the pan. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and enough salt to make it taste good. Slowly pour in that saved pasta water - start with just 1/4 cup and add more until it looks right.

Step 7:

Mix everything together in the pan until it's all hot and the flavors have mixed well.

How to Serve and Store

• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp Pasta while it's hot. Maybe sprinkle some fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top if you want. It goes great with some garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.
• Storage: Got leftovers? Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within 2 days.
• Reheating: When warming it up, add a tiny bit of water or broth to the pan to keep the pasta from drying out.

Chef-Approved Tricks

• Don't cut corners on your main ingredients. Real butter and fresh shrimp will make your dish taste way better.
• Watch that garlic carefully. Once you smell it cooking, it's done. Cook it too long and it'll taste bitter.

Mix It Up

• Add Vegetables: Mix in some spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or chopped asparagus for more color and goodness.
• Use Different Pasta: Don't have spaghetti? No problem. Try linguine, fettuccine, or whatever pasta shapes are hanging out in your pantry.
• Lemon Zest: Want to make it taste fresh and zippy? Grate some lemon peel over the top before you dig in.