If you crave a pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together in just 25 minutes, look no further than this Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta. With every forkful, you’ll get succulent shrimp, garlicky olive oil, a lively kick of red chili, bright lemon, and silky noodles—finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you like, a whisper of Parmesan. It’s a dinnertime hero that tastes like something straight from your favorite trattoria but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or a special date night, Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a true celebration of simple, fresh ingredients—each one pulling its own weight in flavor, texture, and color. Get the best quality you can find, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
- Spaghetti or Linguine (8 ounces): Choose your favorite noodle—the key is something long enough to twirl and soak up the sauce.
- Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Shrimp are the star here—plump, sweet, and cook in a flash for maximum weeknight appeal.
- Olive Oil (4 tablespoons): A good extra-virgin olive oil infuses rich, fruity undertones into the sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, thinly sliced): Thin slices that gently sizzle create that irresistible aroma and flavor all through the pasta.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): The source of that signature gentle heat and a beautiful pop of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every element—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth to balance the garlic and chili.
- Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): A bright, aromatic accent that lifts the whole dish.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a punchy, tangy note—fresh lemon is essential.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): For a fresh, herbal finish and a vibrant green touch.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated, optional): For just a hint of richness and salty bite—feel free to skip for a dairy-free pasta.
How to Make Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente—just tender, but with some bite. Before draining, carefully reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water, which will later help bring the sauce together. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you move on to the shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Chili Oil
Meanwhile, pour the olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the shimmering oil, stirring gently. Watch closely and cook for one to two minutes—just until the garlic starts turning barely golden and the kitchen fills with a toasty, spicy aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it may turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your fragrant garlic chili oil. Season immediately with salt and black pepper, then sauté for three to four minutes. Flip the shrimp once halfway through—the moment they turn a pretty pink and curl into the shape of a letter “C,” they’re done! Be mindful not to overcook, or the shrimp may turn rubbery.
Step 4: Build the Lemon-Chili Sauce
With the shrimp perfectly cooked, sprinkle in all that fresh lemon zest and squeeze in the lemon juice. Give everything a good toss—this step infuses an uplifting citrus zing and balances the heat from the chili flakes. Now, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Pour in a splash of that reserved pasta water, then toss (or gently stir) to unite pasta and shrimp in a glossy, aromatic sauce. Add the chopped fresh parsley, and, if you like, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan right over the top. Toss again, taste, and adjust salt, chili, or lemon as you prefer. Serve immediately while piping hot—Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan!
How to Serve Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta loves a finishing touch! Scatter extra chopped parsley over each serving for color and freshness. A final dusting of Parmesan or some lemon zest adds zing, and a drizzle of quality olive oil brings out the flavors beautifully. For those who like it hot, pass extra chili flakes at the table.
Side Dishes
Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta pairs delightfully with crisp green salads tossed in lemon vinaigrette, lightly steamed veggies, or roasted broccoli. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread—perfect for soaking up any garlicky, spicy sauce left behind on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the skillet family-style, twirl it into fancy nests for a dinner party platter, or use big shallow bowls to show off those juicy shrimp on top. For a colorful twist, nestle in some sautéed cherry tomatoes or baby spinach for a burst of brightness and an extra boost of nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it sits, so the leftovers are a treat!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that shrimp may lose a bit of their tender texture after reheating from frozen. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s cooled completely and packed in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, gently warm the pasta in a nonstick skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat, tossing frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick or overcook. The microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet method will preserve the best texture for the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat them dry before sautéing. Frozen shrimp are a convenient option and taste fantastic in this dish.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Spaghetti and linguine are perfect for Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta since their long strands pick up the flavorful sauce, but you can substitute fettuccine or even bucatini if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy does this pasta get?
The heat level is up to you! The recipe calls for one teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a moderate kick, but you can add more or less based on your taste—and even sprinkle extra on at the table for those who love the heat.
Is there a dairy-free way to serve this dish?
Yes! The Parmesan cheese is completely optional. The bright, savory flavors of Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta shine all on their own, so it’s just as delicious without the cheese if you’re keeping things dairy-free.
Can I add vegetables to Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta?
Definitely. Toss in a handful of baby spinach, arugula, or halved cherry tomatoes when adding the shrimp, or try roasted bell peppers. The veggies will add bonus flavor, color, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to invite Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta to your next dinner table—it’s a speedy, flavor-packed classic that always gets rave reviews. Don’t wait for a special occasion; make it any night you’re craving something exciting and comforting. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful dish with this Garlic and Chili Shrimp Pasta recipe. A delightful combination of shrimp, garlic, chili flakes, and lemon zest creates a zesty and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pasta:
Shrimp:
Seasonings:
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Chili: Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, sauté until pink.
- Combine: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, pasta, and parsley.
- Finish: Add pasta water, toss, and top with Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed) for convenience.
- Adjust chili flakes based on spice preference.
- Enhance with cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
