Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

1 lb spaghetti noodles (more or less, depending on family size)

6 -8 garlic cloves, according to personal taste, minced

1/4 cup butter

olive oil (3 drizzles)

italian seasoning

fresh ground pepper

red pepper flakes

salt

herbs (according to taste)

Instructions:

1 Boil pasta in water till tender, save 1 cup of pasta water for use later. I always put some oil, salt, and fresh herbs in with my pasta when I boil it. Drain and set aside when done.

2 While pasta is boiling, wash shrimp.

3 Melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp.

4 Let cook till a little pink and starting to curl. Then add garlic.

5 Cook 5-7 min., add oil. Continue to stir till shrimp is pink and curled.

6 Add pasta to skillet. Add seasonings. Add just enough saved pasta water till it is not dry but not swimming in liquid either. Depending on amount of pasta this requires 1/2 the cup or all of it. Start with adding 1/4 of it then work up from there.

7 Keep tossing all ingredients around in skillet till all is incorporated and hot.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 495 | Protein: 36 grams | Carbohydrates: 40 grams | Fat: 25-30 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe.

Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen shrimp can release more moisture.

Can I substitute the spaghetti noodles with another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne would work well with this recipe.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.

If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Conversely, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some additional freshly ground black pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh and hot, you can certainly prepare some components in advance.

You can cook the shrimp and garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp and garlic mixture, cook the pasta, and combine everything together as per the instructions.

How do I store leftovers of this Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it may thicken upon cooling.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Answer: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque with a slightly firm texture.

Be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them towards the end of cooking, just to heat them through.

Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them tough.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs, but use them sparingly as their flavors are more concentrated.

Typically, you would use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add the garlic to the skillet once the shrimp are partially cooked.

This ensures that the garlic cooks quickly without burning.

Stirring frequently also helps prevent burning.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the shrimp and using vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach as a substitute.

Is it necessary to save pasta water?

Saving pasta water is recommended as it contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and bind the ingredients together.

However, if you forget to save it, you can use regular water or broth as a substitute.

How do I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Taste the dish as you add seasonings and adjust according to your preference.

You can increase or decrease the amount of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or herbs to suit your taste buds.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Just be mindful of the cooking time needed for the vegetables.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil if you prefer.

However, olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional spaghetti noodles?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for traditional spaghetti noodles.

Just be aware that whole wheat pasta may have a different texture and flavor, and gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.

Adjust accordingly.