Shrimp Spaghetti is a delicious and elegant meal that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked spaghetti and fresh, vibrant ingredients. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Why This Shrimp Spaghetti Is the Best
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are tender and juicy, adding a succulent seafood element to the pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients: The dish is made with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, providing a burst of flavor and color.
- Light and Healthy: The use of olive oil and herbs keeps the dish light and healthy, without sacrificing taste.
- Beautiful Presentation: The combination of shrimp, spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, and basil creates a visually appealing and appetizing meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a light and flavorful meal, Shrimp Spaghetti is the perfect choice. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti: Acts as the perfect base, soaking up the creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Shrimp: Tender and juicy, providing a fresh, seafood-forward flavor.
- Garlic and Olive Oil: Build a fragrant and savory base for the dish.
- Butter and Heavy Cream: Create a luscious, rich sauce that complements the shrimp.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
- Parsley: Finely chopped, it brings a burst of freshness to balance the creamy richness.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Spaghetti
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, high-quality pasta, and fresh herbs.
- Cook Shrimp Evenly: Ensure the shrimp are cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the olive oil, garlic, and herbs – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Toss Well: Toss the spaghetti and shrimp together well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Shrimp Spaghetti with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Shrimp Spaghetti—each bite filled with tender shrimp, hearty pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all coated in a fragrant olive oil and herb sauce. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this elegant dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Shrimp Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti regular whole wheat or gluten free
- 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp peeled & deveined
- 5 large garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 1/2 Tsp salt divided
- 1/2 Tsp ground black pepper divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
- Add the shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Return the skillet to low-medium heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and heavy cream, then season with the remaining salt and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it thickens.
- Once done, turn off the heat.
- Add the drained spaghetti, cooked shrimp, and fresh parsley to the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve the shrimp spaghetti hot, garnished with extra parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a pot with a splash of broth, milk, or water, and simmer on low, covered, until warmed through.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as pasta doesn’t typically freeze well.
- Pasta Options: Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer—whole wheat, white spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta (just be mindful it will require a shorter cook time).
- How to Tell When Pasta is Ready: To check if the pasta is done, remove a piece and let it cool for about 30 seconds before tasting. If it’s tender but still has a slight bite, it’s perfect. You can also test by cutting the pasta with a fork—if it slices easily, it’s ready to go.
- Shrimp: I used large shrimp (31/40 count per pound), but you can substitute with extra-large shrimp (26/30 count per pound) or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count per pound). Just be sure to pat them dry to remove any excess water before cooking.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use half the amount of heavy cream (1/2 cup) and add 1/2 cup chicken broth. Alternatively, you can skip the heavy cream altogether and substitute with chicken stock or stir in some Greek yogurt for creaminess.