![To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need these fresh ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juiced and zested) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients bring bright flavors to your dish. Fresh shrimp and lemon add a nice touch. If you lack some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use any pasta you like, such as penne or fettuccine. - Shrimp: You can use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. - Garlic: Garlic powder works if you don’t have fresh garlic. - Olive oil: Any cooking oil, like avocado or canola, can work well. - Butter: You can skip butter for a lighter dish or use coconut oil. These substitutions keep your meal tasty while fitting your kitchen needs. Each serving of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta offers a healthy balance. Here’s what you get: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 2g This dish provides energy and protein while keeping it light. Enjoy it as a main meal or share it with friends. Check the [Full Recipe] for more details! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I like to use a big pot so the pasta cooks evenly. Once it boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside to wait for the shrimp. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter melts and bubbles, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; you don’t want it to brown. Now, add 1 lb of large shrimp to the skillet. Lay them in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Then, stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. This adds a bright flavor! Finally, add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat. Make sure the pasta and shrimp are well combined and heated through. Adjust the seasoning if you need to. To achieve the perfect al dente pasta, follow these tips: - Use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. - Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking. - Taste the pasta one minute before the package time ends. It should be firm but not hard. - Always reserve some pasta water. It helps to create a creamy sauce later. Cooking shrimp to tender perfection is easy with these steps: - Use fresh or thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can become tough if overcooked. - Do not overcrowd the skillet. This helps them cook evenly. - Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. - Remove from heat as soon as they’re done. Overcooking makes them rubbery. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you will need a few key tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for cooking shrimp - Colander for draining pasta - Measuring cups for liquids - Zester for the lemon peel - Knife and cutting board for garlic and parsley These tools ensure a smooth cooking process and great results. Shrimp can be tricky to cook. Here are some pitfalls to avoid: - Overcooking: Shrimp cooks fast. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side. - Not seasoning enough: Salt and pepper enhance flavor. Don’t skip this step. - Crowding the pan: Give shrimp space to cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. Avoiding these mistakes will help you serve perfect shrimp every time. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta shines when paired with fresh sides. Consider these options: - A crisp green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a comforting touch - Steamed asparagus or broccoli for added color These sides balance flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. {{image_2}} You can easily make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta healthier. Try using whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients. It also gives a nutty taste that pairs well with shrimp. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that cook just like regular pasta. For a vegan version, swap shrimp with plant-based protein. Tofu or tempeh works well. You can also use chickpeas for a hearty texture. Use vegan butter and olive oil for cooking. Replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you keep the dish delicious and satisfying. Adding herbs and spices can change the flavor of your dish. Fresh basil or cilantro adds a bright touch. You can also sprinkle in some oregano or thyme for depth. If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. A dash of smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. Experiment with what you love to make this dish your own. For the full recipe, refer back to the main section. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps avoid extra moisture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze it too. Just place portions in freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water. Warm it over low heat, stirring gently. This method keeps the pasta moist. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents it from drying out. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, it can last for about three months. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. If it smells off, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your delicious meal knowing you stored it right! For the full recipe, refer back to the main section. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place them in cold water for quick thawing. Drain well after thawing. Frozen shrimp cooks well and saves time. They may take one or two extra minutes to cook. Always check that they are pink and opaque before serving. This ensures they are cooked through. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs well with several sides. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. Consider a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for a drink. These options enhance the meal without overpowering it. To spice up your dish, add more red pepper flakes. You can start with half a teaspoon more. If you like heat, try adding sliced fresh jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika. Adjust the spice to your taste as you cook. Always taste before serving to find your perfect heat level. This blog post covered every aspect of making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned about necessary ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips. We also explored variations and storage methods to keep your pasta fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy a delightful meal anytime. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. Follow the steps, and you’ll impress your family and friends. Keep experimenting with flavors to make this dish your own!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/af8bb54e-3a42-44b6-b609-3e3d0ea7e18d-250x250.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? Try this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! With perfectly cooked shrimp, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic, this dish is a delightful treat for any night of the week. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe to create this flavorful meal your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress at your dinner table!