Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, herbaceous pasta dish with succulent shrimp and a garlicky olive oil sauce, finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Italian Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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