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20-Minute Pasta Aglio e Olio with Shrimp

20-Minute Pasta Aglio e Olio with Shrimp is a culinary delight that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. Featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti, succulent shrimp, and aromatic garlic, this dish is both quick and satisfying. Tossed in rich extra virgin olive oil and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an instant favorite that impresses friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet; cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Drain spaghetti, reserving half a cup of pasta water. Combine drained spaghetti with shrimp in the skillet, adding reserved water as needed for desired consistency.
  5. Stir in chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
  6. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables for different flavor profiles. For added brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of olive oil.