Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that combines tender shrimp seasoned with Old Bay, garlic, and butter, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe brings together the bold, slightly spicy flavor of Old Bay seasoning and the richness of garlic butter sauce for a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with flavor: Old Bay seasoning and garlic add bold, savory notes to each bite.
• Customizable: Swap out the pasta or add vegetables to make it your own.
• Perfect for seafood lovers: Shrimp lovers will appreciate the rich, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Prepare the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Combine everything: Return the shrimp to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish and serve: Squeeze in lemon juice, garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan (if using), and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Creamy version: Stir in heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Vegetable boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.

What pasta works best with this dish?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and pasta separately ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

A mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper can mimic the flavors of Old Bay.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time since pre-cooked shrimp just need to be heated through.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Old Bay seasoning is gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs nicely.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp and pasta may change.

Conclusion

Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make seafood dish that’s full of bold flavors and can be customized to your liking. Whether for a quick dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress every time.

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