Is there anything more precious to have in your possession than a good recipe? A recipe that comforts (especially these days), and is so quick and easy to pull together yet tastes like a five star restaurant. Sometimes the most simple recipes are the ones that we long for… THIS is that recipe!

Bring a pot of water to boil, and toss in spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions – while they’re cooking: About 5-6 minutes before pasta is done:

–Heat olive oil and butter (about 1/2 Tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil is a rough estimate – use what you like) in a large non-stick skillet, then add the shrimp, cook 3 minutes, turning… add the garlic (I microplane a clove or two) and cook one minute, mixing with the shrimp. Turn off. (I usually cook shrimp 3-4 minutes, for the size we buy).

-I then scoop the (cooked) pasta out of the pan (instead of draining) and put directly into the pan with shrimp (with it will come a little water), you might need to add a tablespoon+ of pasta water to the shrimp/pasta mixture, turn on the heat, and stir to combine it all – just for 15-30 seconds. Heat off. Plate the pasta with shrimp and top with pepper and parmesan cheese.

🍽 NOTE: For two servings I use about 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil/butter (combined), usually 2 garlic cloves, a spoonful of pasta water (however much you like) and a generous amount of parmesan.

This is perfect for a quick Friday dinner (or any time!) There is a name for this pasta I think, I haven’t invented anything, I was just hungry and in a hurry and this is what I did and it was FABULOUS!

✍️ Until next time…

📸 Image: Barbara Stroud (me!)