Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure! This Spicy Shrimp Linguine isn't just a meal—it's a passionate dance of flavors where succulent shrimp meets perfectly al dente pasta, all kissed by a fiery red pepper embrace. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and sensational.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked linguine and add it directly to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently mix with pasta to reheat.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your linguine.
- Shrimp Perfection: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear. Wet shrimp will steam instead of caramelize.
- Heat Control: When sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes, watch carefully to prevent burning. 30 seconds is all you need to release their aromatic oils.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil as a garnish. Its bright, herbaceous flavor will elevate the entire dish.
- Timing is Key: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 220mg
