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Seafood Aromatic Spaghetti

This dish transforms simple spaghetti into a sensory experience by infusing it with the briny aroma of toasted shrimp shells and fragrant garlic. The key techniques involve simmering shells for deep flavor, sautéing garlic to golden perfection, and tossing everything together with pasta for a glossy, aromatic finish. The final dish boasts a vibrant, briny, and slightly smoky flavor with a tender, well-coated texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 300 g raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced thin
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil preferably extra virgin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 200 g shrimp shells fresh or frozen, rinsed
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then toss in the sliced garlic. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, releasing a warm, nutty aroma.
  3. Add the raw shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are firm to the touch. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the shrimp shells along with a splash of water or seafood stock if available. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 5 minutes until the shells are fragrant and slightly toasted, releasing a briny, smoky aroma.
  5. Push the shells to one side of the skillet, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and red pepper flakes. Sauté briefly to infuse the oil with spice and aroma, about 30 seconds.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shells and oil. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling and develop a glossy texture.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the dish. Give everything a final toss, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dish should be glossy, aromatic, and briny with a hint of spice and citrus.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy the vibrant, fragrant flavors of this seaside-inspired spaghetti.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the shrimp shells separately until fragrant and slightly charred before adding to the sauce. Always reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling beautifully. Finish with fresh lemon and herbs for a bright, balanced finish.