Spicy Shrimp Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Recipe

If you're craving a weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor and satisfaction without complicated prep, this Spicy Shrimp and Spaghetti Aglio Olio is a go-to recipe that hits all the right notes. Garlicky olive oil coats tender spaghetti, while spicy, lemony shrimp add heat and richness. Paired with a vibrant tomato and onion salad and served alongside crusty bread, this dish feels indulgent yet balanced.

Ready in under an hour, it’s a great choice for date night, a casual dinner with friends, or when you want to elevate your everyday cooking.

What Makes This Dish Special

This recipe is a twist on the classic Italian “aglio olio,” which simply means garlic and oil. But here, it's amped up with umami-rich anchovies, red pepper flakes, and a generous helping of sautéed shrimp. Anchovies, often underestimated in home kitchens, transform into a nutty, salty flavor base when cooked no fishiness, just depth.

The addition of a fresh tomato and onion salad helps cut through the richness, making this meal feel light but satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to throw together after work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (about 2 handfuls)

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled

• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the Aglio Olio:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (about 4 turns of the pan)

• 1 tin (2 oz) anchovy fillets

• 6–8 large cloves garlic, crushed and minced

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

• Coarse salt, to taste

• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente

For the Tomato and Onion Salad (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• 5 plum tomatoes, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced

• 1 small white onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Coarse salt and black pepper

To Serve:

• Crusty bread for mopping up those incredible juices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   In a large bowl, combine shrimp with lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes, crushed garlic, salt, and olive oil. Toss to coat and set aside while prepping other ingredients.

2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp in two batches, about 3 minutes per batch, until pink and firm. Remove to a warm plate and set aside.

3. Make the Aglio Olio Base:
   Return the same pan to medium-low heat. Add olive oil, then stir in anchovies, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Break up the anchovies until they melt into the oil, forming a flavorful sauce.

4. Toss the Pasta:
   Add cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, then stir in fresh parsley and season with salt.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Plate the pasta, top generously with spicy shrimp, and serve with tomato and onion salad and crusty bread.

Fresh Tomato and Onion Salad Tips

While your pasta cooks, toss together the tomato salad:

• Mix sliced tomatoes and onions with parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Let it rest for at least 20 minutes so the flavors meld.

• Serve alongside the main dish to balance the bold garlic and chili heat.

Nutrition and Wellness Notes

Shrimp is a lean source of protein and provides key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Garlic and parsley aren’t just for flavor they offer antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Even anchovies, though small, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.

Pairing this pasta with a light salad and whole grain bread creates a more complete, fiber-rich meal. According to the USDA, incorporating more seafood into your diet at least twice per week can support heart and brain health, especially when replacing processed meats or saturated fats.

Make It Your Own

• Not a fan of anchovies? Try chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different umami twist.

• Want more veggies? Add spinach or blistered cherry tomatoes to the pasta.

• Looking to lower sodium? Use low-salt anchovies and adjust the added salt to taste.

In Summary

This Spicy Shrimp and Spaghetti Aglio Olio is bold, quick, and balanced with fresh flavors perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. Don’t forget the crusty bread to soak up the garlicky olive oil at the bottom of your bowl!

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