This Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The dish is elevated with the aromatic flavors of garlic and the freshness of cherry tomatoes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
If you don't usually have shrimp or cherry tomatoes at home, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Fresh shrimp should be peeled and deveined for convenience, and cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
Ingredients For Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
Shrimp: Adds a rich, seafood flavor and protein to the meal.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a smooth, fruity taste.
Cherry tomatoes: Provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory elements.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, be sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color, which will release its natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the shrimp pasta.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar texture and shape, making it a great alternative for pasta dishes.
spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a similar texture and can absorb the flavors well.
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative for seafood dishes.
shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: For those who prefer poultry, chicken breast can be used and will still provide a protein-rich component.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor but still provide a similar aromatic quality to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used to impart a similar flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich flavor and works well for sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them an easy swap.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil provides a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements seafood dishes well.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a different but equally fresh flavor that can enhance the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the dish's flavor profile slightly.
pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the garlic shrimp pasta to an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the shrimp and pasta at a safe temperature, preventing bacterial growth.
- For longer storage, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored. This helps in managing your meal prep and avoiding food waste.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the shrimp and pasta.
- Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley after reheating to revive the flavors and add a touch of freshness to the dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil or add a small pat of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the leftover garlic shrimp pasta to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp is warmed through and the spaghetti is hot.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover garlic shrimp pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir and check the temperature.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the shrimp and spaghetti are heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp and spaghetti are heated through.
Steam Method:
- Place the leftover garlic shrimp pasta in a heatproof dish that fits inside a steamer basket.
- Add water to the bottom of the steamer and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Place the dish with the pasta in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
- Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp and spaghetti are hot.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the leftover garlic shrimp pasta in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method to remove air.
- Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bag from the water bath, open it, and serve the reheated shrimp and spaghetti immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Large skillet: Used to sauté the garlic, cook the shrimp, and combine all ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, shrimp, and pasta without scratching the skillet.
Chef's knife: Necessary for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the garlic and parsley.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil and cherry tomatoes.
Tongs: Helpful for tossing the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and mixing everything together.
Serving bowl: Perfect for presenting the finished garlic shrimp pasta.
Salt and pepper shakers: Used to season the dish to taste.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it quickly by tossing it in the skillet with the shrimp and cherry tomatoes.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Buy peeled and deveined shrimp: Purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined to skip the prep work.
One-pan method: Cook the shrimp and cherry tomatoes in the same skillet you’ll use for the spaghetti to reduce cleanup time.
Chop parsley in advance: Chop the fresh parsley ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- 3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- 5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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