Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

$- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. The shrimp should be large and firm. Look for bright, shiny shells. Garlic should be plump and aromatic. Fresh parsley adds a nice green touch to the dish. If you have a gluten allergy, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. You can also swap out large shrimp for scallops or chicken. Each option offers a unique flavor while keeping the dish vibrant and tasty. For extra zing, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. It enhances the flavor and brings a touch of elegance. Remember, you can find the Full Recipe at the end of this article for all the steps and tips. To make the best spicy garlic shrimp pasta, start with the right pasta. I love using spaghetti or linguine for this dish. 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it based on the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. 2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save about half a cup of the pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta later. Now, let’s get to the shrimp. This is where the magic happens. 1. Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red chili. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; it can burn easily! 2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are done. 3. Check for Doneness: Perfectly cooked shrimp should curl slightly and feel firm to the touch. Now it's time to mix everything together to create a wonderful dish. 1. Add Tomatoes and Lemon: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another two minutes. They should soften a bit. Then, add lemon juice and the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. 2. Combine Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Make sure the flavors mix throughout. 3. Mix Thoroughly: Mixing well is key. It ensures that every bite is full of flavor. This step-by-step guide will help you create a vibrant and flavorful meal. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. Enjoy your cooking! - To adjust heat levels, vary the chili used. You can use less chili if you prefer mild. - Prepare ingredients ahead. Chop the garlic and tomatoes before you cook. This saves time and keeps you organized. - For a restaurant-style look, use fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color too. - Avoid overcooking shrimp. They should turn pink and opaque in about 3-4 minutes. - Always season the pasta water. This gives the pasta flavor as it cooks. - Do not skip the reserved pasta water. It helps to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp and add more veggies. You can use mushrooms for a nice texture. Spinach and bell peppers bring color and taste. If you want a creamy pasta, add heavy cream or a soft cheese like ricotta. These changes make the dish richer and just as tasty. To switch up the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also use different spices, like paprika or oregano, for a new twist. If you want to pair it with a sauce, consider a light lemon butter sauce or a spicy marinara. For mixed protein options, shrimp goes well with chicken or even scallops. These changes keep your dish exciting and full of flavor. For the complete cooking guide, don't forget to check the Full Recipe. To keep your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate leftovers: Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying. - Reheat carefully: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. This keeps the texture nice. - Store sauce separately: If you have extra sauce, keep it in another container. This stops the pasta from getting soggy. Can you freeze Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta? Yes, you can! Here's how: - Best way to freeze: Let the pasta cool first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. - Thawing: Take it out the night before. Put it in the fridge to thaw slowly. - Recommended containers: Use plastic containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. What can I use instead of shrimp? You can use chicken, scallops, or even tofu. These options give you great flavor and work well with the sauce. How long does Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta last in the fridge? It lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best taste. What wine pairs well with this dish? A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely. It balances the spice and complements the shrimp. How do I adjust the spice level? You can add more or less red chili. For a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just thaw them first. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes? You can replace them with diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor. For the full recipe process, check out the Full Recipe link. This dish serves about 4 people. You can easily adjust the serving sizes based on your needs. In summary, we covered how to make spicy garlic shrimp pasta. I shared key ingredients, cooking instructions, and useful tips to avoid common mistakes. You can adjust the recipe to fit dietary needs or preferences. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Store leftovers properly to enjoy your meal later. With these steps and tricks, you’ll impress anyone at your table. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!$

Indulge in a fiery twist with this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, garlic, and a kick of chili for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta is sure to please. Follow our simple steps for a meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience tonight!

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Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Add Tomatoes and Lemon: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften. Add the lemon juice and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.

Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley for freshness.

Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with lemon wedges and additional parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a nice visual touch to the final dish.