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To make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need simple, fresh ingredients. This dish is quick and full of flavor. The mix of garlic, shrimp, and lemon makes it special. You can find the full recipe above. Here’s what you need for the recipe: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips: - Shrimp: Look for fresh or frozen shrimp. They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Garlic: Choose firm, dry garlic bulbs. Avoid any sprouting or soft spots. - Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil. It has a richer taste. - Tomatoes: Pick ripe cherry tomatoes. They should feel firm and smell sweet. - Basil: Fresh basil adds bright flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves with no brown spots. These choices ensure your dish will be full of flavor and freshness! Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and faster. Measure out 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 lb of shrimp, and the rest of the ingredients. Chop the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop fresh basil. This prep will save you time later. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps to create a silky sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells amazing and turns a light golden color. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be juicy and tender. Now, stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. They should start to soften. Lower the heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta gets coated with the oil and garlic mixture. Add the lemon zest, juice, and chopped basil next. Toss again to combine. Use the reserved pasta water to help mix everything smoothly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a minute to let the flavors blend. Serve it right away, topping with extra basil and grated Parmesan if you like. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has a strong taste. Mince it finely to release more oils. Sauté it gently in olive oil. This helps it become fragrant. Watch it closely so it does not burn. A golden color is perfect, not brown. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. To check their doneness, look for that vibrant pink color. Cooking shrimp quickly keeps them tender and juicy. Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice level. Start with a teaspoon for mild heat. You can always add more if you like it spicy. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the heat. Fresh basil adds a touch of sweetness and freshness. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine while cooking. These tips will help you create a delicious Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. For the full recipe, follow the instructions carefully. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try using chicken or scallops. Both options work well with the garlic and spice. If you prefer something plant-based, look for marinated tofu. It soaks up flavors nicely. Just cook it until golden for a tasty twist. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but many other pastas fit this dish. Penne or linguine can add fun shapes and textures. For a quick change, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta. These options add fiber and a different taste. Each type of pasta can change the dish's vibe. For a vegetarian meal, leave out the shrimp entirely. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini instead. You can also use gluten-free pasta. Rice noodles work well too, giving a unique twist. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures! You can store leftover Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Ensure the pasta cools to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep it from getting soggy. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works well. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the container with the date. To reheat, you have a few options. The microwave is quick. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover it loosely and heat in 30-second bursts until warm. You can also reheat on the stove. Add the pasta to a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a bit of olive oil if needed. This keeps it flavorful and juicy. For the best taste, serve it right after reheating. Enjoy your meal! It takes about 30 minutes to make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This time includes both prep and cooking. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time. Preparing the ingredients takes around 15 minutes. Cooking the pasta and shrimp takes another 15 minutes. This dish is great for busy nights! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can cook the shrimp and pasta, then store them in the fridge. Just keep them in separate containers. When you're ready to eat, reheat them gently. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the pasta from getting mushy. You can serve Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp green salad adds a nice touch. You could try a simple mix of greens with lemon dressing. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also pair it with white wine for a special treat. For the full recipe, check the link above! We covered all you need to make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare them, and steps for cooking. I shared tips to enhance flavors and offered variations for different diets. Remember, using quality ingredients leads to better meals. Try the tips for perfect garlic flavor and shrimp doneness. Enjoy this dish fresh or store it for later. It’s quick to make and easy to adapt for anyone. Happy cooking!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious dinner with this spicy garlic shrimp pasta recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes! Packed with succulent shrimp, fresh basil, and a zesty kick from garlic and red pepper flakes, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a meal everyone will love. Discover how to make this flavorful pasta by clicking through for full instructions and tips!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.

        Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.

          Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together well to coat the pasta with the oil and garlic mixture.

            Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.

                Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4