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Shrimp Chili Garlic Pasta

This shrimp chili garlic pasta is a quick, bold-flavored dish that combines fiery chili flakes, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta. The dish features a garlicky, spicy sauce with bright lemon and fresh parsley, creating a lively, satisfying meal with a mix of smoky heat and sweet seafood textures. It’s perfect for weeknights when comfort and heat are the goal, with a final look of glistening pasta coated in flavorful oil and plump shrimp on top.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: fusion, Mediterranean
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lb shrimp, deveined and peeled tail-off for quick cooking
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili flakes adjust to heat preference
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine cooked al dente
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil good quality
  • 1/2 lemon lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Large pot
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, shimmering and fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic and chili flakes. Sizzle for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and golden, releasing a spicy aroma.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the fragrant chili-garlic oil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the spicy richness.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet, squeezing half a lemon over everything. Toss gently to combine and heat through for about a minute, ensuring the shrimp stay tender and the flavors intensify.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, with a final squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat and brightness. Enjoy the vibrant, spicy seafood pasta!