Easy Aglio e Olio Pasta: A Refreshing Twist with Cherry Tomatoes and Shrimp
Restaurant-Quality Aglio e Olio at Home! Elevate Your Flavor with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes!
Introducing an incredibly easy Aglio e Olio pasta recipe. With just olive oil, garlic, pasta, and salt, you can create a magnificent meal. We’ve added plump shrimp and tangy cherry tomatoes for an even richer and more delicious Aglio e Olio experience. Perfect for special occasions or elevating an ordinary day into a delightful home party vibe.
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta, 1 serving (approx. 500-won coin size)
- Garlic, 4-5 cloves
- Onion, 1/4
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined, 5 pieces (frozen or fresh)
- Cherry tomatoes, 4
Basic Seasoning- Olive oil, generously
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients (Flavor Boost!)- Red pepper flakes (peperoncino), 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Dried basil, a pinch
- Olive oil, generously
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients (Flavor Boost!)- Red pepper flakes (peperoncino), 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Dried basil, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cook the spaghetti. Add about 1% salt (relative to water volume) and a few drops of olive oil to boiling water. This prevents the pasta from sticking and helps it cook to a perfect al dente. One serving is roughly the size of a 500-won coin. Cook for about 8 minutes, or one minute less than the package instructions, for al dente perfection.
Step 2
Prepare the aromatics and vegetables. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Finely shred the onion. Lightly score the cherry tomatoes with a cross cut; this helps them soften and release their juices beautifully as they cook.
Step 3
To remove any fishy odor and enhance flavor, lightly toss the shrimp with a splash of cooking wine (like mirin or sake) and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate briefly. This step is optional but recommended for a cleaner taste.
Step 4
Drain the cooked spaghetti using a colander. Crucially, reserve about 1-2 ladles of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is essential for creating a silky sauce.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil (about 3-4 tablespoons). Add the sliced garlic and shredded onion. Sauté slowly, stirring frequently, to infuse the oil with their delicious flavors without burning the garlic. Creating a fragrant garlic oil is key!
Step 6
As the garlic begins to turn golden brown and fragrant, add a sprinkle of black pepper. Continue to sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is a beautiful golden hue. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 7
Once the garlic oil is fragrant, add the marinated shrimp and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until the shrimp turn pink and are almost cooked through. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Step 8
Add the cooked spaghetti and about 1-2 ladles of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss and stir vigorously to combine the pasta with the garlic oil and emulsify the sauce. Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step 9
Finally, add the scored cherry tomatoes and sauté just until they begin to soften. Avoid overcooking them. Taste the pasta and season with salt as needed. The combination of savory garlic, sweet shrimp, and tangy tomatoes creates a delightful flavor profile.
Step 10
Plate the finished Aglio e Olio pasta attractively. A sprinkle of dried basil adds a final aromatic touch. Enjoy this elegant and simple pasta dish, perfect for a special meal at home!
