Garlic Shrimp Pasta Easy 30 Minute Meal Wellplated Com

Shrimp have a reputation for being fancy and often get reserved for special occasions. However, after creating countless easy shrimp recipes (like this Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp), I vote shrimp be categorized as a weeknight dinner superhero. This homemade garlic shrimp pasta certainly makes me feel like a fancy restaurant chef (same with Seafood Pasta), but its quick and simple preparation makes it a deliciously doable recipe that even beginner cooks can serve with confidence and success. It’s the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, easy and impressive, and ultimately, down-right delicious.

How to Make the Best-Ever Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Although this healthy garlic shrimp pasta does take advantage of freezer shortcuts, it still tastes fresh and lively thanks to an infusion of boldly flavored ingredients. Flavor-wise, this recipe is similar to a Baked Shrimp Scampi pasta but is much lighter. I opted to make this garlic shrimp pasta without cream and no butter. I found that with the vibrancy of the garlic, the freshness of the lemon zest, and the perk of the Parmesan cheese, the shrimp pasta simply didn’t need it.

The Ingredients

Linguine. Whole wheat pasta or similar thin pasta noodles are the best for this dish. The whole wheat noodles help make this recipe healthier, as they contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white pasta.

Shrimp. Rich in selenium, choline, and vitamin B12, shrimp are a nutritious protein source that can be ready to eat in less than four minutes. FOUR. It’s why they’re included in so many of my best 30-minute meal recipes.

Vegetables. I used a mixture of shallots and mixed vegetables. To save time chopping, feel free to use frozen vegetables. They’re frozen shortly after being picked, so they maintain their nutritional value. Best of all: you don’t have to chop them.

Garlic. The star of this dish. The garlic perfectly complements the lemon and white wine sauce. (If you’re a fan of this shrimp + garlic combo, you’ll love this Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa.)Red Pepper Flakes. To keep everyone awake. I add a healthy pinch; feel free to add more or less to taste.White Wine. For flavor and for drinking while you cook (I call that a win!). I recommend using a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Lemon Juice + Zest. Adds freshness, brightness, and vibrance to this delish lemon garlic shrimp pasta.Toppings. Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh parsley are my favorites. They give this recipe a scampi-esque flair, similar to my low carb Healthy Shrimp Scampi.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Reheat very gently with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out.To Freeze. Can you freeze shrimp pasta? Technically, yes, it can be frozen, but I find it does not retain its texture as well, so I recommend avoiding the freezer if possible.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Pasta Pot. This one has a removable strainer insert, which saves me from dumping the pasta water by mistake (you want to reserve some for this recipe!).Non-slip Cutting Board. A safer and easier place to chop.Garlic Press. My favorite way to save time during prep.

What? You’re making homemade garlic shrimp pasta for dinner? Truth be told, unless you live near the ocean, the shrimp you buy “fresh” at the grocery usually arrive frozen, then are thawed before being sold. If you truly want to spring for fresh shrimp, it’s worth asking to ensure you receive a better quality product. Garlic shrimp pasta with broccoli and garlic shrimp pasta with spinach or cherry tomatoes are other fantastic options.

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Roasted Green Beans

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