Discover the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and earthy mushrooms in this irresistible garlic shrimp pasta recipe. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the freshness of herbs with the richness of butter and cheese, creating a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or seeking a quick weeknight meal, this versatile pasta dish will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- Shrimp: 400g (14 oz), peeled and deveined
- Spaghetti: 300g (10.5 oz)
- Butter: 25-30g (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Mushrooms: 250g (9 oz), sliced
- Sweet peppers: 3 small, diced
- Chili pepper: 1, finely chopped (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes: 300g (10.5 oz)
- Fresh dill: 1 bunch, chopped
- Fresh parsley: 1 bunch, chopped
- Cheese: 100g (3.5 oz), grated (Parmesan or Pecorino Romano)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely diced
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
Seasonings
- Black pepper: to taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (10 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
- Clean and slice mushrooms
- Dice onions, peppers, and mince garlic
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Chop fresh herbs
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika
Cooking Process (20 minutes)
Pasta
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 8 minutes (slightly underdone)
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta and set aside
Shrimp and Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink
- Remove shrimp and set aside
- In the same pan, add butter and sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes)
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden (5-6 minutes)
- Add sweet peppers and chili pepper, cook for 2-3 minutes
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly burst (3-4 minutes)
- Return shrimp to the pan
- Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water
- Toss in fresh herbs and grated cheese
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Shrimp:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should form a “C” shape when done, not an “O”
- Pat them dry before cooking for better browning
- Season shrimp before cooking for maximum flavor
- Pasta Excellence:
- Salt your pasta water until it tastes like sea water
- Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the sauce
- Never rinse your pasta after cooking
- Sauce Secrets:
- Use pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency
- Cook mushrooms until golden for maximum flavor
- Add garlic later in the cooking process to prevent burning
Variations and Substitutions
- Pasta Options:
- Linguine
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Gluten-free pasta alternatives
- Protein Substitutions:
- Scallops
- Chicken breast
- Mixed seafood
- Tofu for vegetarian version
- Vegetable Alternatives:
- Asparagus instead of sweet peppers
- Zucchini in place of mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes
- Spinach or kale for added greens
- Dairy Modifications:
- Heavy cream for a richer sauce
- Dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast for vegan version
- Different cheese options (Asiago, Gruyere)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. For best results, use raw frozen shrimp rather than pre-cooked.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep components ahead:
- Clean and cut vegetables up to 24 hours in advance
- Cook pasta ahead and toss with olive oil
- Prepare the sauce base, then finish with shrimp and pasta before serving
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is adjustable. The chili pepper is optional, and you can modify the amount based on your preference or omit it entirely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Not recommended as pasta and shrimp texture may deteriorate
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prep Components (24 hours ahead):
- Clean and cut vegetables
- Peel and devein shrimp
- Measure dry ingredients
- Partial Cooking (4-6 hours ahead):
- Cook pasta to very al dente
- Prepare sauce base
- Final assembly and shrimp cooking should be done just before serving
- Reheating Guidelines:
- Stovetop: Low heat with added moisture
- Microwave: 50% power in 30-second intervals
- Add fresh herbs after reheating
This garlic shrimp pasta recipe combines the best of Italian and Mediterranean flavors for a memorable dining experience. With its perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables, it’s not just delicious but also nutritious. Follow our tips and variations to make this dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating this restaurant-quality meal in your home kitchen.
