15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Aglio e Olio

A fail-proof 15-minute dinner featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic, chili, and olive oil sauce with plump shrimp and sweet cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 200 g dry spaghetti
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 250 g raw shrimp
• 150 g cherry tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp all-in-one seasoning
• to taste black pepper
• optional fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Boil the pasta

   

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and gently place a handful of dry spaghetti into the center. Allow the pasta to fan out naturally as the bottom softens. Boil the pasta for about 10 minutes until it reaches al dente.

   Tip: Dont break the spaghetti! Let it soften in the boiling water for a few seconds and gently push it down to submerge it entirely.
2. 2Stir the spaghetti

   

   Once the spaghetti has softened and fully submerged into the boiling water, give it a gentle but thorough stir with a spoon. This ensures an even cook and prevents the noodles from clumping together during the 10-minute boil.

   Tip: Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the spaghetti from the inside out.
3. 3Mince the garlic

   

   While the pasta is boiling, peel and finely mince the fresh garlic cloves. A fine mince allows the garlic to release maximum flavor and aroma into the olive oil when slowly fried.

   Tip: Crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife before mincing to easily remove the skins and release their natural oils.
4. 4Cook shrimp and aromatics

   

   Peel the shrimp and pat them dry. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently fry the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the peeled shrimp and cherry tomatoes cooking until the shrimp are opaque and the tomatoes begin to blister.

   Tip: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks because it can burn quickly and become bitter.
5. 5Transfer the pasta

   

   Using tongs, lift the boiled spaghetti directly from the pot and add it straight into the frying pan containing your infused olive oil, cooked shrimp, and blistered cherry tomatoes. Allow some of the starchy pasta water to carry over into the pan, as this is crucial for building a cohesive sauce.

   Tip: Do not drain the pasta completely dry in a colander. The starchy water clinging to the noodles is the secret to emulsifying the olive oil into a silky, cohesive sauce.
6. 6Add black pepper

   

   With the pasta, shrimp, and tomatoes mingling in the aromatic oil, season the dish with a generous cracking of fresh black pepper. The sharp, pungent heat of the pepper cuts beautifully through the rich olive oil base.

   Tip: Toss the pasta vigorously to emulsify the olive oil and pasta water, creating a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
7. 7Sprinkle dried parsley

   

   Once the pasta, shrimp, and blistered tomatoes are combined in the pan, sprinkle dried parsley flakes generously over the mixture. This adds a subtle earthy aroma and lovely specks of green that contrast beautifully with the vibrant red tomatoes.

   Tip: Crushing the dried parsley slightly between your fingers before sprinkling can help release more of its essential oils.
8. 8Add seasoning powder

   

   Add a spoonful of your preferred all-in-one seasoning powder to the pan. This boosts the savory umami notes and perfectly complements the rich garlic and olive oil base, tying all the flavors together effortlessly.

   Tip: Taste the pasta before adding the seasoning powder to avoid over-salting, as the shrimp and salted pasta water already contribute sodium.
9. 9Toss and combine

   

   Using a spatula or tongs, toss everything together thoroughly. Ensure the spaghetti is completely coated with the infused olive oil, garlic, and seasonings, and that the plump shrimp and tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

   Tip: If the pasta seems a bit dry while tossing, add a small splash of reserved pasta cooking water to create a silky, emulsified sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions