Shrimp aglio olio. Team up classic aglio olio and delectable shrimp or prawns to create an easy weeknight meal that’s so irresistible, you’ll need to add it to your weekly dinner rotation. Subtly spiced and insanely delicious aglio olio sauce forms the base of this dish, and the tender shrimp takes it to another level. Simplest way to turn an ordinary meal into mouth watering feast!
Why I Love This Surprisingly Delicious Dish
I’ll say it again and again - you don’t need exotic ingredients to whip up a mouth watering meal. Built on just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is the perfect example. Aglio e olio simply translates to garlic and oil, but in this recipe the addition of shrimp (prawns) brings in extra richness and protein. The beautiful simple pasta dish obviously delivers a surprising amount of flavor. Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it for clams, mussels, scallops, or chicken.
Comprising of simple ingredients like olive oil, lots of garlic, red pepper flakes, shrimp, your favorite pasta, a handful of chopped parsley, and a generous splash of pasta water to bring it all together, this delicious seafood dish is your ticket to effortless meal made in just under 20 minutes. It’s simple, cozy, garlicky, and a little spicy, exactly the kind of meal that makes you need on a busy day. And just perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Key Ingredients In Aglio Olio Shrimp
- Shrimp or prawns - The key ingredient.
- Pasta - Spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Garlic - The base flavor of the sauce.
- Olive oil - Simple yet adds tons of flavor.
- Red pepper (chili) flakes - For subtle heat.
- Herbs - Fresh parsley.
How To Make Aglio Olio Shrimp
Cook pasta and shrimp - With the pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine is the first choice, cook it until aldente. When shrimp (prawns) hit the hot oil, they curl up instantly, and turn plump and pink.
Make the sauce - The aglio olio sauce starts with sautéing garlic until lightly golden and fragrant. A pinch of red pepper (chili) flakes add a subtle heat. Pour in pasta water and wait until it emulsifies making glossy and silky sauce. Once pasta joins the pan, the sauce infused with shrimp flavor coats it and makes the pasta even more flavorful. Add a handful of chopped parsley for that vibrant finish.
Shrimp Aglio Olio
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 g shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper (chili) flakes
- 1 sprig parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Freshly grated parmesan, to garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Season with salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup water. Drain.
- Place shrimp in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large frying pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp (prawns) in a single layer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until opaque. Remove from the pan.
- To the same pan, add remaining olive oil and butter.
- When butter melts, add garlic.
- Saute, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add red pepper (chili) flakes and sprig of parsley. Saute, stirring, for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp (prawns). Stir to combine.
- Pour reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce and let it emulsify.
- Add cooked spaghetti. Toss.
- Add chopped parsley. Toss.
- Garnish with freshly grated parmesan, if you like.
Notes
- Red chilies - I also added a large whole chili alongside the red pepper (chili) flakes.
- Herbs - Sub parsley with basil if you like.
Nutrition
Like this shrimp aglio olio recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube.
Check out more shrimp (prawn) recipes:
Jan says
Delicious & easy to make!
Nene says
This is so delicious. A family favorite!
Amy says
This was incredibly easy to make & so good. I may add some basil next time.