Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp (Midnight Spaghetti)
Midnight Spaghetti combines tender pasta with garlic-infused olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Add plump and juicy shrimp for a balanced meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 - 12 garlic cloves sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or basil, optional
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prep the Shrimp: While the pasta boils, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until opaque and curled into a C shape. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Infuse the Oil: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil. Add garlic slices and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until garlic is lightly golden (not browned).
- Add Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs, if using, and cook for 1 minute.
- Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1–2 minutes, or until sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Toss shrimp back in to warm through. Remove skillet from heat, top with Parmesan or Romano cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: This pasta can be prepped in advance for meal prep. Store components separately and combine just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each.
Freezing: Not recommended. Freezing will change the texture of the pasta and shrimp.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 774cal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 726mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 2mg