Savor the flavors of the coast with this delicious Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Plump shrimp are sautéed in garlic and butter, then tossed with Old Bay seasoning for a classic, flavorful kick. Combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a light lemony sauce, this dish is an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Let’s get cooking and bring a taste of the sea to your table!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 more cloves of minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the reserved pasta cooking water and the juice of the other half of the lemon. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the garlic-lemon sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until combined. If the pasta looks too dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and add lemon wedges on the side for extra citrusy flavor.
How to Prepare
The secret to this dish is the bold and flavorful Old Bay seasoning, which pairs perfectly with the garlic and lemon. The shrimp cook quickly, so make sure not to overcook them to keep them tender. Tossing the pasta in the light, buttery sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of Parmesan adds a creamy finish, while the lemon brightens everything up.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- What type of pasta works best? Linguine or spaghetti are great, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can prep the pasta and sauce components ahead, then toss them together when ready to serve.
- What can I serve with this dish? A side salad or garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment to this pasta dish.