15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Rapid Favorites

A quick and delicious meal that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table in just 15 minutes.

Selene Woodward

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:28:34.754Z

This 15-minute garlic shrimp pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both quick and satisfying. The succulent shrimp paired with garlic and a hint of lemon create a delightful dish that can be made in no time at all.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
  • Garlic and shrimp create a flavorful combination
  • Pasta cooked al dente adds the perfect texture

A Quick and Satisfying Meal

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to find meals that can be prepared quickly without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet swift. The shrimp and pasta come together in a delightful harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also makes use of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. With just a few fresh items like shrimp, garlic, and pasta, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. It’s an excellent way to impress family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It is a lean source of protein, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, shrimp is rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which contribute to overall well-being.

Including shrimp in your meals can also support heart health due to its low saturated fat content. When paired with garlic, known for its numerous health benefits, this dish becomes a powerhouse of nutrition that supports your immune system while satisfying your cravings.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta Every Time

Cooking pasta to perfection is an art form, and this recipe ensures you achieve an al dente texture that elevates the entire dish. The key is to boil the pasta in salted water, which enhances its flavor and helps it hold onto the sauce better. Make sure to follow the package instructions closely for the best results.

Once the pasta is cooked, draining it promptly is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy. Tossing the hot spaghetti with the shrimp sauce immediately after draining allows the pasta to absorb the flavors, creating a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 200g spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp Sauce

  • 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

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

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Combine

Stir in the cooked spaghetti, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best flavor in your Garlic Shrimp Pasta, opt for fresh shrimp if possible. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but fresh shrimp will provide a better texture and taste. When selecting shrimp, look for ones that are firm and have a mild ocean scent.

Additionally, feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. They can add color, texture, and nutrients to your meal, making it even more delicious and visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the pasta, while garlic bread provides a delightful crunch that everyone loves.

For a touch of elegance, consider serving this dish with a glass of white wine. A light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would enhance the flavors of the shrimp and garlic, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, storing this dish is simple. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating is a breeze—simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, even reheated, the flavors will still shine through. Just remember to toss it gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

→ What other pasta can I use?

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

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A light salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A quick and delicious meal that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Selene Woodward

Recipe Type: Rapid Favorites

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: Serves 2

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 200g spaghetti
  2. Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp Sauce

  1. 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Chopped parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook 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 sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 04

Stir in the cooked spaghetti, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 22g