Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with buttery noodles and a hint of chili heat for a quick seafood pasta. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Season 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Add shrimp to skillet and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked spaghetti and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet; toss to combine and coat noodles in the garlic butter sauce.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to skillet, add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

Italian seafood 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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