Gin-Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A zesty pasta dish infused with the floral notes of Gin and aromatic garlic. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs (340g), peeled and deveined Shrimp, (340g), fettuccine Pasta, (240ml) Gin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g), peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 12 oz (340g), fettuccine Pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) Gin
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup Gin and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half and the edges of the garlic are golden.
- Step 4: Add cooked shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Toss the pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Gin-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 (340g), fettuccine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-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 Gin-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 Gin-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Italian quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many quick meals recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.