15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Rapid Recipes

A quick and delicious pasta dish that brings the flavors of garlic and shrimp together in just 15 minutes.

Quincy Harper

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:05:34.394Z

This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal for those who want something quick yet delicious. With succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and tossed with pasta, it's a dish that never fails to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation time perfect for busy weeknights
  • Delicious garlic flavor that enhances the shrimp
  • Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables

Perfect for Busy Nights

When life gets hectic, finding time to cook can be a challenge. That's where this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta comes in. In just 15 minutes, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The quick preparation time means you won't have to sacrifice flavor for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

This recipe not only saves you time but also offers a delightful blend of flavors that will impress anyone sitting at your dinner table. The key to this dish is its simplicity; with just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Flavorful and Nutritious

Garlic is not just a flavor powerhouse; it also brings numerous health benefits to the table. Known for its antioxidant properties, garlic can help boost your immune system and add a savory depth to your dishes. Paired with shrimp, which is high in protein and low in calories, this pasta dish is a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds.

Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also contributes additional vitamins and minerals. With the zesty lemon juice, this dish becomes a bright, flavorful option that is both refreshing and hearty.

Customizable Pasta Delight

One of the best features of this 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or even swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein option. The base of garlic and olive oil remains deliciously adaptable, ensuring that this recipe can become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to have everything ready for a quick assembly!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with parsley.

Serve

Divide into bowls and enjoy your quick and flavorful garlic shrimp pasta!

Enjoy your meal!

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the sautéing process.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta

To achieve perfectly cooked spaghetti, always start with a large pot of salted water. The salt not only enhances the flavor of the pasta but also helps it cook evenly. Remember to stir the spaghetti occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Cooking it al dente will provide a nice texture that complements the tender shrimp and the garlic sauce.

When sautéing garlic, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become bitter. The garlic should be fragrant and golden, which typically takes about a minute. This is the stage where the flavor truly begins to shine, so keep a close eye on it!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few simple accompaniments. Consider serving a light green salad on the side, drizzled with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the flavors of garlic and shrimp.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or serving the pasta with a sprinkle of chili oil. This added kick can take the dish to the next level, making it a memorable culinary experience that your guests will be talking about long after the meal is over.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

→ What type of pasta can I use?

You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as linguine or fettuccine.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, just be sure to avoid adding any cheese.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

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

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A quick and delicious pasta dish that brings the flavors of garlic and shrimp together in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Quincy Harper

Recipe Type: Rapid Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 03

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Step 04

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with parsley.

Step 05

Divide into bowls and enjoy your quick and flavorful garlic shrimp pasta!

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the sautéing process.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g