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Plate of easy garlic shrimp cooked in olive oil, garnished with herbs.

Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio

A delightful and easy-to-make Italian dish featuring spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic, shrimp, and a touch of chili flakes, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 500 g 500 g / 1lb spaghetti Cooked until al dente.
Main Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp 4 tbsp olive oil Rich and aromatic.
  • 4-6 cloves 4-6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced) Infuses dish with a nutty aroma.
  • 1-2 tsp 1-2 tsp chili / red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 500 g 500 g (1lb) shrimp (peeled and deveined) Juicy and tender.
  • 1-2 tsp 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste) Adds brightness and acidity.
  • ½ cup ½ cup grated Parmesan Creamy and salty element.
  • ½ cup ½ cup parsley (finely chopped) Adds freshness.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
  2. In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until golden.
  3. Incorporate the chili flakes into the pan and toast briefly with the garlic.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pale pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then add lemon juice.
  5. Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing it with the shrimp mixture, adding pasta water as needed.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley over the pasta and toss until coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, optionally with more Parmesan.

Notes

Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor. Reserve pasta cooking water for a silky sauce. Customize spice level to taste.