Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Seafood Delight

Craving a zesty old bay garlic shrimp pasta that dances with flavor?

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this quick coastal-inspired meal packed with bold seasonings.

Tender jumbo shrimp soak up aromatic spices, promising a restaurant-quality dinner in minutes.

Fresh herbs and garlic create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Maryland’s beloved seasoning brings rich, complex notes to every single bite.

Vibrant ingredients combine effortlessly, ensuring a satisfying plate that impresses without complicated techniques.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure waiting to surprise you.

Jump into this delectable recipe and savor every incredible moment of culinary magic!

Why the Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Always Shines

• Old Bay seasoning delivers a zesty, bold kick that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with mouthwatering spices and garlic goodness.
• Easily adjust the recipe by adding red pepper flakes for heat, swapping pasta types, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Create a restaurant-quality meal at home using affordable ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and basic pantry staples, saving money while enjoying a delicious dinner that feels special.

What Goes into Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that carries signature Old Bay seasoning flavor.

• Pasta: Hearty base for capturing rich sauce and complementing shrimp.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic Maryland spice blend with zesty seafood profile, great for adding depth.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing robust savory undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice component for adding gentle heat.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat with light Mediterranean essence.
• Butter: Rich dairy element for creating silky sauce texture.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element for balancing rich flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional tangy dairy ingredient for additional depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Green herb for visual appeal and fresh flavor accent.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for overall taste balance.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice for enhancing overall dish complexity.

Make This Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into water and cook according to package directions until tender. Before draining, scoop out one cup of pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Shrimp Seasoning

Place shrimp in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning generously over shrimp. Toss until every piece is coated evenly.

Step 3: Sear Shrimp

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter. Once hot, add seasoned shrimp. Cook quickly, about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and look plump. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Reunite Shrimp and Pasta

Return seared shrimp to the skillet. Gently stir until shrimp are warmed through and well incorporated.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Add lemon wedges on the side. Optional: Dust with extra Old Bay seasoning.

Shrimp Pasta Tips with a Garlic Kick

• Perfectly Season Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are evenly coated with Old Bay for maximum flavor, gently tossing to distribute seasoning thoroughly.
• Control Cooking Time: Watch shrimp closely while sautéing, removing them immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually for desired kick.
• Enhance Pasta Water Magic: Save and use pasta water to create silky, well-coated sauce that helps ingredients bind together smoothly and adds subtle starchy richness.
• Boost Freshness Factor: Finish dish with fresh parsley and squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten flavors and add vibrant, zesty notes to the final presentation.

How to Handle Leftovers for Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftover Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Shrimp can become tough when overheated, so reheat slowly and carefully to maintain tender texture and delicious flavor.

Ideal Pairings for Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Pair this zesty shrimp pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The bright, acidic notes perfectly complement the garlic and Old Bay seasoning, cutting through the richness of the butter sauce.
• Create a delightful side of toasted baguette slices rubbed with fresh garlic and olive oil. The crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor enhance the main dish's aromatic profile.
• Prepare a light side salad with mixed greens, segments of lemon or orange, and a simple vinaigrette. The citrusy elements echo the lemon in the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp.
• Select a light, hoppy pilsner or wheat beer to accompany the dish. The beer's crispness will cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the seafood's delicate flavors.

Creative Spins on Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities without changing the core recipe's flavor profile.
• Vegan Seafood Alternative: Replace shrimp with plant-based alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, seasoned with Old Bay for similar texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-based dish that maintains the original recipe's zesty seasoning.
• Protein-Packed Mediterranean Spin: Add white beans or grilled chicken alongside shrimp, incorporating extra Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil for a protein-rich variation.

Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQs to Check Out

• Why use Old Bay seasoning for shrimp?

Old Bay provides a signature blend of spices like paprika, celery salt, and black pepper that gives the shrimp a distinct, zesty flavor profile unique to seafood dishes.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water during cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from optional red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on their size.

Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Seafood meets spice in this mouthwatering Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta that promises a flavor explosion from the first bite. Succulent shrimp tossed with perfectly seasoned pasta will transport diners straight to coastal comfort, inviting you to savor each zesty, memorable forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seafood:

• 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully preserve one cup of starchy pasta liquid before draining.
2. Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Old Bay seasoning in a mixing container, ensuring each morsel receives an even dusting of spice.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce seasoned shrimp and execute a precise cooking process, transforming them from translucent to vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer perfectly cooked shellfish to a temporary holding plate.
4. In the same skillet, incorporate remaining fat components. Gently sauté minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence and developing deep flavor profiles.
5. Introduce drained pasta into the fragrant skillet, utilizing reserved liquid to create a silky, cohesive sauce. Integrate fresh lemon juice and optional Parmesan, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate overall taste complexity.
6. Reintroduce seared shrimp into the pasta mixture, gently folding to ensure uniform heating and complete flavor integration.
7. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, presenting alongside additional lemon wedges and an optional dusting of Old Bay for those desiring extra zest.

Notes

• Always use freshly boiled pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that evenly coats the noodles.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly to maintain tender texture.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes or replacing Old Bay with a milder seasoning blend for sensitive palates.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diet requirements.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 456
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg