Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp
Light, garlicky, and full of flavour, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp is a simple yet satisfying dish. The combination of tender shrimp, olive oil, and a touch of heat makes every bite deliciously irresistible!
Some dishes just get you. They’re quick, they’re flavour-packed, and they make you feel like a pro chef even when you’ve barely put in any effort. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp is one of those dishes.
This is pasta in its purest, most glorious form—no heavy sauces, no complicated techniques, just garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and perfectly cooked shrimp dancing together in a silky, garlicky coating.
It’s the kind of meal that’s impossibly good for how little effort it takes.
Hungry? Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ridiculously Quick – Done in 20 minutes flat.
✔ Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavour – Garlic, chilli, shrimp, and pasta. Simple but stunning.
✔ Weeknight-Friendly, Date-Night Worthy – Fast enough for a Tuesday, fancy enough for a Friday.
✔ Customisable – Love spice? Add more chilli. Want extra richness? More olive oil. You do you.
✔ Light But Satisfying – No heavy sauce, just pure garlicky goodness coating every bite.
Ingredients
● 200g spaghetti
● 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
● 4 tablespoons olive oil
● 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
● ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
● Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
This step is crucial because that starchy water helps create the perfect sauce later.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Spice
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for about 2 minutes, until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Warning: your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Toss in the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque.
Season with salt and pepper, because seasoning is life.
4. Bring It All Together
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in that garlicky, spicy goodness.
If the mixture feels a bit dry, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the consistency is silky and perfect.
5. Serve & Devour
Plate up, sprinkle over some chopped parsley, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a generous handful of Parmesan. Then? Dig in.
Final Thoughts
This dish is proof that simple ingredients can create absolute magic.
The garlic-infused olive oil, the subtle heat from the chilli flakes, and the juicy shrimp all come together in a way that feels effortlessly elegant.
And the best part? It’s done in 20 minutes, meaning you can have a restaurant-quality meal with zero stress.
Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to. Guaranteed.
FAQs
➤ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
➤ What if I don’t have red pepper flakes?
A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.
➤ Can I add veggies?
Yep! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would be chef’s kiss.
➤ Is Parmesan traditional?
Not exactly—Italians don’t usually pair cheese with seafood, but hey, if it tastes good, do it.
➤ How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil.
Now go forth and make some killer pasta.
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