When I think of comfort food, my mind instantly drifts to this Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to my kitchen, and it’s so simple to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful meal that feels like a special occasion. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma of garlic and shrimp filled the air, and their faces lit up with excitement. It’s become a staple in our home, perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and fresh flavors makes this dish a winner every time. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, which means more time to enjoy with loved ones. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Ingredients List
8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or linguine) – choose your favorite type for a delightful base.
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined – fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re ready to cook.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for that rich flavor and perfect sauté.
3 garlic cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – add a kick if you like some heat.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – they add sweetness and color.
1/2 cup vegetable broth – for moisture and depth of flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – a fresh touch to brighten the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.
Juice of 1 lemon – for a zesty finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) – because who doesn’t love cheese?
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe is straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for flavor! Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s a secret weapon for making your sauce creamy and delicious!
Sautéing the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Combining Ingredients
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now, add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about that perfect saucy goodness!
Final Touches
To finish off this delightful dish, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This adds a burst of freshness that brightens everything up! Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your pasta and shrimp hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every bite of this quick and satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, shrimp, and fresh tomatoes creates a mouthwatering dish.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and low in calories, making it a guilt-free meal.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make your Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe even better, here are some pro tips:
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
Customize Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
Adjust Spice: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp; they cook quickly and should be just pink and opaque.
Save Pasta Water: That starchy water is your friend! It helps create a silky sauce.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your meals is essential, especially when cooking something as delightful as this Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying dish without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about this Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best? I love using spaghetti or linguine, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand!
Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Definitely! It’s quick to make and holds up well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this Easy Pasta and Shrimp Recipe is a breeze! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of olive oil to help revive the flavors and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Enjoy your delicious meal once more!
A simple and delightful dish featuring pasta and shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the pasta and shrimp, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
