15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; Salt, for boiling water; 250g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Collection

This quick and delicious 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal, combining succulent shrimp with al dente pasta in a flavorful garlic sauce.

Created by

Rosamund Blake

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:46:34.301Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a culinary delight that brings together the vibrant flavors of garlic and shrimp in a simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and cook time while delivering a plateful of satisfaction.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick to prepare, ready in just 15 minutes
Juicy shrimp paired with perfectly cooked pasta
Garlic and herbs create an irresistible aroma
Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests

      

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a delicious meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The combination of succulent shrimp and al dente pasta is sure to satisfy your hunger without sacrificing flavor.

Not only is this dish quick to make, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the shrimp for chicken or tofu. This means you can enjoy a different twist on this recipe each time you make it, keeping your dinners exciting and fresh.

Flavorful Garlic Sauce

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the garlic sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and aromatic sauce that elevates the entire meal. The minced garlic, combined with olive oil and a hint of red pepper flakes, infuses the shrimp with a mouthwatering flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta.

Adding fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish, balancing the richness of the garlic. This sauce is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, ensuring that your meal stays on track for that 15-minute timeline.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti
Salt, for boiling water

For the Shrimp

250g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Keep all ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together and cook for an additional minute. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.

Enjoy your deliciously quick meal!

Shrimp Selection Tips

When it comes to shrimp, quality matters. Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best results in this recipe. If fresh shrimp isn't available, frozen shrimp work well too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen, indicating freshness.

You can also experiment with different types of shrimp, such as wild-caught or sustainably farmed options. Each type offers unique flavors and textures, which can subtly change the overall taste of your pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving the Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. This adds a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta and can turn your quick dinner into a more complete dining experience.

For a touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. This complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully, making it a dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

While it's best enjoyed fresh, this dish can still be satisfying the next day. Just remember that overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so be cautious when reheating to maintain their juicy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

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

→ What pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and garlic ahead of time and combine them with the pasta just before serving.