Tip: This flavorful pasta dish has approximately 350-450 calories per serving, depending on the amount of shrimp, pasta, and butter used. It’s a quick and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests!

Ingredients:
1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

1 lb spaghetti noodles (adjust based on family size)

6-8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to personal taste)

1/4 cup butter

Olive oil (3 drizzles)

Italian seasoning (to taste)

Fresh ground pepper (to taste)

Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Salt (to taste)

Herbs (optional, such as basil, parsley, or thyme)

Directions:
Step 1:

Boil the pasta in salted water until tender. Add a bit of oil and fresh herbs to the water while boiling.

Save 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2:

While the pasta is boiling, wash the shrimp.

Step 3:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the shrimp and cook until it turns pink and starts to curl, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 5:

Cook for 5-7 more minutes, then add a drizzle of olive oil and stir to combine. Continue to cook until the shrimp are fully cooked (pink and curled).

Step 6:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp.

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the pasta is coated and the sauce is the desired consistency. Start by adding 1/4 of the saved pasta water, then adjust from there, depending on how saucy you want the dish.

Step 7:

Toss all ingredients together in the skillet until fully incorporated and heated through.

Step 8:

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:
Saving Energy: This dish is relatively quick to prepare, with minimal cooking time for both the pasta and shrimp. Using pasta water helps to add moisture without requiring extra energy for additional sauces.

Health Benefits: This dish is rich in protein from the shrimp and provides some healthy fats from the olive oil and butter. However, it can be high in calories and fat. You can reduce the calories by using less butter or opting for a whole-grain pasta. Enjoy in moderation!