Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp

Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp

This Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp tastes like it comes straight from a fine dining restaurant. The wonderful squid ink pasta is coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce and topped with juicy seared shrimp. Such an elegant and easy dinner, perfect for date night or for entertaining. You can use fresh arugula/rocket or spinach in the dish and the addition of red pepper flakes is totally optional!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz squid ink pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 9 oz peeled and de-veined shrimp
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup butter

    - cut into cubes

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp chilli flakes

    - optional

  • 1 cup arugula/baby spinach
  • parmesan

    - optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Peel the garlic and slice it paper thin (see note1) and set it to one side for later.

  2. 2

    Place a large pan of water onto boil. Once it is bubbling add a generous amount of salt and cook the squid ink pasta according to the package instructions. (Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining)

  3. 3

    Place a large frying pan over medium high heat and once hot add the olive oil  and the shrimp. Cook for 1 minutes on each side.

  4. 4

    Add in the butter cubes, garlic, oregano and chilli flakes. The butter should melt instantly. Pour in 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and allow the sauce to bubble gently for a further 2 minutes. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Add in the arugula/spinach.

  6. 6

    Drain the pasta mix into the butter sauce, stir to combine, adding more cooking water to loosen the pasta if needed.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately, garnished with parmesan, if desired.

Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp

Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp

4.5(12)

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that feels special and elegant, yet is incredibly simple to prepare? This Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp delivers a fine dining experience right in your own kitchen, perfect for those moments you want to impress without the fuss.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish truly stand out is the combination of its vibrant squid ink pasta with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. The beautiful contrast of the dark pasta with perfectly seared, juicy shrimp creates a visual and culinary delight. With just 10 minutes of cook time, you'll achieve restaurant-quality flavors and textures that are both sophisticated and satisfying.

What to Expect

Prepare for a feast for the senses. You'll enjoy the subtle brininess and unique texture of the squid ink spaghetti, beautifully coated in a luscious sauce infused with aromatic garlic and butter. Each bite is complemented by tender, succulent shrimp that have been seared to perfection. The addition of fresh arugula or baby spinach adds a welcome peppery or mild green note, while optional red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth that ties all the flavors together. This dish feels indulgent yet surprisingly light, making it an excellent choice for a memorable meal.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own. You can easily swap out the fresh arugula for baby spinach to suit your preference, both providing a delightful green counterpoint. For those who enjoy a little heat, don't skip the optional chili flakes; they add a wonderful kick without overpowering the delicate seafood and garlic flavors. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end is also optional, adding a salty, umami finish that many adore.

This exquisite Spaghetti Nero with Garlic Shrimp is an ideal choice for a romantic date night in or when you're entertaining guests and want to serve something truly impressive with minimal effort.

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