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Quick Garlicky Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring garlicky shrimp, tender zucchini, and al dente pasta with a smoky kick from Calabrian chili paste. Ready in under 25 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for light, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 12 ounces (340 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn.
  3. Stir in 2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Toss in sliced zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with shrimp and zucchini. Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and lemon juice from half a lemon. Toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid burning garlic by keeping heat medium and stirring constantly. Cook shrimp until just opaque to prevent rubberiness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles and adjust consistency. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, zucchini pasta, Calabrian chili, quick dinner, garlicky shrimp, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, spicy pasta

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