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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced The main ingredients bring the flavor to life. The spaghetti or linguine gives the dish a nice base. Large shrimp provide a protein boost. Garlic adds a sweet and savory note. The red chili pepper gives it a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by using more or less chili. - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper Extra virgin olive oil is the heart of this dish. It adds richness and depth. Red pepper flakes enhance the heat, making every bite exciting. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, so use them to your taste. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - Grated parmesan cheese for serving Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Grated parmesan cheese brings creaminess and umami. Each of these add-ons can take your pasta to the next level. Feel free to mix and match them to your liking! To start, fill a large pot with water. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. Place the pot on high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before you drain it, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps to make the sauce creamy. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Next, add 6 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 sliced red chili pepper. Stir often, cooking for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell good, but not brown. If it browns, it becomes bitter. Now, increase the heat a bit. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to crowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly. Lower the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything well. You want the pasta to soak up all the tasty oil and juices. Gently stir in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This adds a fresh burst of flavor. Now it’s time to plate the dish! Place the pasta in bowls or on plates. If you like, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top. For an extra touch, add more parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. Using shallow bowls makes the dish look even better and allows guests to enjoy the colors. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color. Cook until pink and opaque. It takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If they curl up tightly, they are overcooked. For perfect garlic flavor, sauté it gently. Cook the minced garlic for just 1 minute. Remove it from heat as soon as it smells fragrant. This keeps the garlic sweet and not bitter. To add more spice, use more chili pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Always taste as you go to find your ideal spice level. Herbs and seasonings can boost flavor. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Try basil or oregano for different notes. A sprinkle of lemon zest also enhances the dish. For a nice presentation, serve in shallow bowls. This shows off colors and makes the dish look inviting. Choosing the right dinnerware is key. Use white plates to highlight the dish's vivid colors. A sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge can add a lovely touch. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta for this dish. Try penne or farfalle for fun shapes. They hold sauce well and taste great. If you want gluten-free options, use rice noodles or quinoa pasta. Both cook quickly and fit the dish perfectly. Want to change the protein? Chicken works great here! Simply cube it and cook it like the shrimp. Tofu is another tasty option. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté until golden. If you're into seafood, scallops or crab make excellent substitutes too. To make it plant-based, skip the shrimp and add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These add color and nutrients. You can also toss in chickpeas for extra protein. This keeps the dish hearty while being meat-free. After enjoying your Garlic Chili Shrimp Pasta, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the meal fresh. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Aim to finish the pasta within three days for the best taste. When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If you choose the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water and heat gently. This keeps the pasta moist and avoids drying out. If you want to freeze your Garlic Chili Shrimp Pasta, do so right after cooking. Let it cool first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out extra air before sealing. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a bit of water as needed. Enjoy your meal again with great flavors! To make this dish spicier, you can adjust the chili pepper amounts. Use more red chili peppers for extra heat. If you want, add some hot sauce for a different flavor. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can really kick up the spice. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, make sure to thaw them before cooking. To thaw shrimp, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once they are thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help you get the best texture when cooking. You can serve this pasta with various side dishes. A fresh green salad pairs well. Garlic bread also makes a nice addition. For wine, I recommend a light white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines balance the dish's flavors nicely. This blog post guides you through making Garlic Chili Shrimp Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect flavor. I shared ideas for variations and storage, ensuring your dish stays fresh. Remember, adjusting spice levels and using fresh herbs can enhance taste. Try different proteins or pasta types for new twists. With practice, you'll impress with this dish. Enjoy your cooking journey and keep experimenting!

Garlic Chili Shrimp Pasta 15-Minute

Discover the irresistible flavors of Garlic Chili Shrimp Pasta with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp meets spaghetti or linguine in a garlic-infused olive oil, complemented by a touch of heat from red chili pepper and red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, this dish is a quick weeknight meal or a showstopper for dinner parties. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to your heat preference)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sliced red chili pepper. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.

      Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat slightly and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

        Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to gently medium. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful oil and juices.

          Finish with Fresh Herbs: Gently stir in the chopped parsley and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed, for a vibrant flavor boost.

            Serve: Portion the pasta into serving plates or bowls. If desired, generously top with grated parmesan cheese for a creamy touch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 min | 15 min | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, garnish with additional sprigs of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to enhance the dish's visual appeal and allow guests to admire the vibrant colors of the dish.