15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Fast Quick Meals Recipes

Quick, delicious, and full of flavor, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Charlotte Wilson

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2025-12-30T21:41:34.074Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Perfect for those evenings when you want a gourmet meal without the fuss!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
  • Delicious garlic and shrimp flavor with a hint of spice
  • Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

When life gets busy, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is designed with your hectic schedule in mind. With simple ingredients and quick cooking times, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Whether you're rushing home from work or juggling family activities, this recipe fits seamlessly into your evening routine.

The balance of flavors in this dish makes it a standout, even though it’s prepared in such a short amount of time. The succulent shrimp combined with the aromatic garlic and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes creates a delightful culinary experience. This dish proves that quick meals can be both delicious and impressive.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. While the core flavors are fantastic on their own, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences. Want a creamier sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone before serving. Prefer more veggies? Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of different proteins, feel free to swap out the shrimp for chicken or even tofu. The quick cooking method remains the same, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of flavors without complicating the process.

Pairing Suggestions

To make your meal even more delightful, consider pairing this Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a light salad or roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you're looking for something heartier, roasted asparagus or zucchini can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For beverage pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with the shrimp, highlighting its delicate flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon can refresh your palate beautifully.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smooth and fast.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine, adding lemon juice and parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent it from drying out.

Keep in mind that the shrimp may lose some of their original texture upon reheating, so it’s best to consume this dish fresh for the best experience. However, the flavors will still meld nicely, making for a delicious second meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides nutritional benefits. Shrimp is a low-calorie source of protein, rich in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Combined with whole grain pasta, this dish provides a good amount of fiber, which is important for digestive health.

The addition of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a dose of vitamins A, C, and K. Lemon juice provides a boost of vitamin C, which can support your immune system. This meal is a well-rounded option for anyone looking to enjoy a quick yet nutritious dinner.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What other types of pasta can I use?

Feel free to substitute spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as linguine or fettuccine.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Quick, delicious, and full of flavor, this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Charlotte Wilson

Recipe Type: Fast Quick Meals Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  1. 8 oz spaghetti
  2. 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1/4 cup olive oil
  5. 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  6. Salt and black pepper to taste
  7. 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  8. Juice of 1 lemon

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine, adding lemon juice and parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 23g