Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that will impress your taste buds? These shrimp and garlic noodles are just the thing! With perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and complemented by tender shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of spice, this dish is a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Recipe: Shrimp Garlic Noodles
Ingredients (3 – 4 servings):
- 400g (14oz) spaghetti
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 55g (1/2 stick) butter
- 2 XL garlic cloves or 4-5 regular cloves, minced
- 400g (14oz) shrimp (16/20), peeled and deveined
- 2 shallot onions, finely chopped
- 150g (5.2oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 dry chili pepper, chopped
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and chopped dry chili pepper.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic and shallots are fragrant and softened, but not browned.
- Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. Then, add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to reheat and coat them evenly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Season and Garnish:
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.
- Serve:
- Serve the shrimp garlic noodles hot, with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish and a slice of lemon on the side if desired.
Conclusion:
These shrimp garlic noodles are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The combination of al dente spaghetti, tender shrimp, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more. Enjoy this delightful dish with a glass of your favorite wine and savor the flavors of this easy yet elegant meal!