Name: Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian

Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio Recipe – Simple Italian Pasta Dinner | Easy Kitchen

Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio is the simplest, most delicious pasta recipe you can make in just 30 minutes! This authentic Italian pasta dish combines tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, quality olive oil, and a hint of chilli flakes to create an elegant yet incredibly easy weeknight dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have restaurant-quality pasta on your table faster than ordering takeout. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply craving an amazing pasta dish, this Shrimp Aglio e Olio delivers incredible flavor with zero fuss.

Italian Cuisine

Dinner

Recipe Details

Cuisine

Italian

Course

Dinner

Difficulty

Easy

Servings

Prep Time

10 Min

Cook Time

20 Min

Total Time

30 Min

Calories (Per Serving)

367 Cal

Ingredients

500g (1lb) spaghetti or long pasta of your choice
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – quality oil is essential for this simple dish
4-6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (or crushed, depending on preference)
1-2 teaspoons chilli flakes or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
500g (1lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice to taste (fresh squeezed preferred)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil – the water should taste like seawater
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (just tender with a slight bite), following package instructions
Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy water will help create the sauce
While the pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp sauce

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Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Create the Sauce

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels – this ensures they brown properly and develop better flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat
Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to turn golden
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter – watch it carefully
Add the chilli flakes and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Add the dried shrimp to the pan, distributing them evenly in a single layer
Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout – do not overcook or they’ll become tough

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Step 3: Combine and Finish

Season the cooked shrimp with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste
Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to the pan
Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot to the pan with the shrimp
Toss everything together gently, adding a few more tablespoons of pasta water as needed to create a light sauce
The pasta water will help emulsify the oil and create a silky coating on the noodles
Add the Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley
Continue tossing until the pasta is well coated and everything is combined
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed
Serve immediately while hot on individual plates

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Aglio e Olio

Quality Olive Oil Matters: Since this dish has so few ingredients, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
Thin Garlic Slices: Slicing garlic thinly rather than mincing it creates larger pieces that are less likely to burn and provides a nice texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Once they’re pink and opaque, remove them from heat immediately to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
Save Your Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for creating an emulsified sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.
Dry Your Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before cooking so they brown instead of steam, developing better flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs at the end add brightness to the dish. Don’t skip this ingredient.
Al Dente is Key: Don’t overcook the pasta – it should still have a slight bite when combined with the shrimp.
Optional Parmesan: Traditionally, Italian seafood pasta doesn’t include cheese, but many people love it with Parmesan. It’s entirely your choice.
Lemon Juice Adjustments: Lemon juice is added to taste, so start with 1 teaspoon and add more based on your preference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, work in batches rather than overcrowding the pan, which can cause the shrimp to steam.

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Nutritional Information per Serving

Why Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Aglio e Olio literally means “garlic and oil” in Italian, representing the minimalist approach to Italian cooking that relies on quality ingredients and proper technique rather than complicated methods. This Shrimp Aglio e Olio takes that philosophy and adds succulent shrimp for protein and substance. What makes this dish so special is that despite having only a handful of ingredients, it tastes restaurant-quality and feels elegant on the plate. The beauty lies in the simplicity—the garlic infuses the oil with its flavor, the chilli flakes add subtle heat, and the shrimp provide tender, delicious protein. The pasta, coated in this aromatic oil, becomes far more than the sum of its parts.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no complicated sauce to make, no cream to worry about, and no extensive prep work. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and most home cooks already have the essential items on hand. It’s also an impressive dish to serve to guests without the guilt of spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results every single time.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

While Shrimp Aglio e Olio is delicious on its own, you can elevate the meal with simple side dishes. A fresh arugula salad with lemon and Parmesan dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is a classic pairing, soaking up any flavorful oil left on the plate. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the delicate flavors of the shrimp and garlic beautifully. For a lighter meal, serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A simple tomato salad with fresh basil also works wonderfully alongside this dish, providing freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Aglio e Olio

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? +

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Simply thaw them completely before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the pan, as this helps them brown properly. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp can also be used, though you’ll only need to warm them through rather than cooking them for the full 3-5 minutes.

What pasta works best for this recipe? +

Long pasta varieties like spaghetti, linguini, or tagliatelle work beautifully with this sauce as they catch the garlic and oil. However, any pasta shape will work—short pastas like penne or rigatoni are also delicious. The key is cooking the pasta to al dente so it has enough texture to hold the sauce without breaking apart when tossed.

Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese? +

In traditional Italian cuisine, seafood pasta dishes are typically served without cheese, so omitting the Parmesan is completely authentic. However, many people enjoy adding it for extra flavor. It’s entirely your preference—try it both ways and see which you prefer. If you do add it, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to customize this dish? +

Yes! While the classic version is simple, you can add: diced tomatoes for acidity, red pepper for sweetness, spinach for greens, or anchovies for umami depth. Some people also add a splash of white wine or a touch of cream. Remember that adding ingredients changes the character of the dish, so start by making it the traditional way, then experiment with additions once you’ve mastered the basic recipe.

How do I prevent my garlic from burning? +

The key is watching the garlic carefully and using medium-high heat. Slice the garlic thinly so it cooks evenly and quickly. Remove it from heat the moment it starts to turn golden—it will continue cooking slightly from residual heat. If you prefer milder garlic flavor, use crushed cloves instead of sliced, or reduce the amount of garlic in the recipe.

Why do I need to reserve pasta cooking water? +

The starchy pasta water is essential for creating an emulsified sauce that coats the noodles beautifully. When the starchy water is added to the olive oil, it creates a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta much better than oil alone. This is a key technique in Italian cooking called “mantecatura.” Never skip this step for the best results.

Can I prepare components ahead of time? +

You can prepare some components ahead: peel and devein the shrimp the night before and store in the refrigerator, slice the garlic 2-3 hours ahead (store covered in the fridge to prevent browning), and measure all dry ingredients. However, assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture and warmth. This is a quick recipe, so the entire cooking process from start to finish is only about 20 minutes.

How do I know when shrimp are done cooking? +

Shrimp are done when they turn from grayish to pink and become opaque throughout. This typically takes 3-5 minutes depending on the size of your shrimp. When you cut into one, it should be white with a slight pinkish tinge, never translucent or gray. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook.

What should I do if the sauce seems too oily? +

Add more pasta cooking water—this will help emulsify the oil and create a more balanced sauce that coats the pasta better. The starch in the water binds with the oil, creating a silky texture rather than a greasy one. You can also toss the pasta more vigorously to help with emulsification. If it’s still too oily, you may have used too much olive oil initially—remember, 4 tablespoons is usually enough for 4 servings.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan? +

The basic Aglio e Olio sauce is naturally dairy-free—just omit the Parmesan cheese. For a vegan version, replace the shrimp with pan-fried tofu, mushrooms, or chickpeas. The technique remains the same, creating a delicious plant-based pasta that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version.

Final Thoughts

Easy Shrimp Aglio e Olio proves that simple, quality ingredients prepared with proper technique create extraordinary dishes. This recipe is a testament to the beauty of Italian minimalist cooking—letting a few key ingredients shine rather than masking them under heavy sauces. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick dinner, a home cook wanting to impress guests, or simply someone who appreciates delicious food, this Shrimp Aglio e Olio delivers every single time. The 30-minute preparation time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, while the elegant presentation makes it suitable for special occasions. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it regularly—it’s that good, that easy, and that satisfying. So grab your ingredients, fire up your pan, and create a restaurant-quality pasta dinner that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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Shrimp Aglio e Olio Recipe