Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio Recipe

   Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio is a variation of the classic Italian pasta dish Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio features spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. 

In this variation, shrimp is added to the dish, enhancing it with a savory seafood flavor. The shrimp is typically sautéed with garlic and seasonings, then combined with the pasta and the classic Aglio e Olio sauce for a simple yet flavorful meal.

To prepare Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio, you would start by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the shrimp:

1. Sauté Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not burnt. Add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

2. Combine

Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it, reserving a bit of pasta water. Toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the shrimp and garlic oil. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to help coat the spaghetti.

3. Finish and Serve

Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice.

This dish balances the heat from the red pepper flakes with the richness of the olive oil and the brininess of the shrimp, creating a simple yet delicious meal.

Here's a simple recipe for Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio:

Ingredients:

- 8 oz spaghetti

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti

- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Aglio Olio Sauce

- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.

- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Combine

- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the spaghetti in the oil, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.

5. Add Shrimp and Serve

- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

- Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio!