Zesty Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Seaside Delight

Seafood enthusiasts crave a spicy old bay garlic shrimp pasta that packs a punch of flavor and excitement.

Succulent shrimp dance with perfectly cooked pasta in a zesty blend of herbs and spices.

The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a meal that delivers bold, mouth-watering satisfaction.

Each twirl of pasta captures the essence of coastal cooking with its robust seasoning.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a dish that speaks to comfort and adventure on a single plate.

The recipe offers a delightful balance of heat and marine richness that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible seafood masterpiece.

Tools to Whip Up Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water.
• Large skillet: Crucial for sautéing shrimp and creating garlic butter sauce.
• Large bowl: Used for seasoning shrimp with Old Bay.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring pasta and flipping shrimp.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning and oil measurements.
• Colander: Required for draining cooked pasta.

Instructions for Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for your sauce.

• Spice Up the Shrimp

Toss your shrimp in Old Bay seasoning until every little morsel is covered in those magical spices. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

• Sear the Seafood

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter. Slide in those seasoned shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink. They’ll only need about 2-3 minutes to become perfectly done. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Create the Zesty Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter and oil. Toss in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Let those aromatics dance around for a minute until they’re super fragrant.

• Bring It All Together

Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet. Add some of that reserved pasta water and toss everything until the noodles are glossy with sauce. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle some Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

• Final Flourish

Return the shrimp to the pan and give everything a quick toss to warm them up. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your delicious creation. Add an extra squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Old Bay if you’re feeling fancy. Dinner is served!

Cooking Tips for Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Garlic Magic Boost: Add an extra clove or two of roasted garlic for a deeper, mellower flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Pasta Water Trick: Never discard pasta water completely; its starchy goodness helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Seafood Swap Options: Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or plant-based alternatives like marinated tofu for versatile protein options that match the seasoning beautifully.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, gluten-free version that maintains the recipe's delicious essence without compromising flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to create a mild or fiery experience – start with a pinch and gradually increase according to personal heat tolerance for a perfectly balanced dish.

Ways to Present Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Seafood Feast Night: Host a fun dinner party featuring this shrimp pasta as the star dish, paired with crisp white wine and fresh bread for dipping.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in airtight containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays flavorful and exciting throughout the day.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like basil or chives on top to add bright, zesty flavors and create a restaurant-quality presentation at home.
• Spice Level Adventure: Customize the heat by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding a dash of sriracha for guests who love an extra kick of spiciness.

Leftover Handling for Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and shrimp together to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freshness Window: Consume refrigerated pasta within 3-4 days for best taste and food safety, ensuring shrimp remains tender and sauce stays creamy.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra olive oil, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out and maintain the dish's original delicious consistency.
• Freezing Recommendation: Can be frozen for up to 1 month, but note that pasta might slightly change texture upon thawing. Separate shrimp and pasta before freezing for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 456 kcal

Servings: 4

Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredient Checklist

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for the dish, choose a medium-width noodle like linguine or fettuccine for optimal sauce clinging.

• Shrimp, Old Bay Seasoning: Brings zesty maritime flavor and succulent texture, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for best taste and sustainability.

• Olive Oil, Butter, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Lemon Juice, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a vibrant, multilayered sauce that elevates the entire dish. Use fresh garlic for maximum punch, and opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Select aged Parmesan for deeper umami notes. Fresh lemon provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal finish, chop finely right before serving to maintain maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Spicy Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Old Bay garlic shrimp pasta brings coastal Maryland flavors to your dining table. Succulent shrimp tossed with al dente pasta create a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Seafood Searing: In a spacious skillet, melt olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté seasoned shrimp until they transform from translucent to vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes, releasing their intense fragrance and developing a rich flavor foundation.
5. Sauce Creation: Combine drained pasta with the aromatic base, incorporating reserved pasta liquid to craft a luxurious, smooth sauce. Splash in fresh lemon juice and fold in Parmesan, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the dish’s depth.
6. Final Assembly: Reintegrate seared shrimp into the pasta, gently mixing to ensure complete heat distribution and flavor melding.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, accompany with lemon wedges, and optionally dust with additional Old Bay for an extra flavor punch.

Notes

• Master Pasta Water Technique: Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps ingredients bind perfectly.
• Perfectly Sear Shrimp: Cook shrimp exactly 2-3 minutes per side, watching color change from translucent to vibrant pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Balance Seasoning Layers: Generously coat shrimp with Old Bay before cooking, then adjust final dish’s salt and pepper levels to enhance flavor complexity without overwhelming seafood.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter for dairy-free version, or replace shrimp with grilled chicken for protein variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg