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- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) In this recipe, I use spaghetti or linguine as the base. Both are great for holding the sauce. The large shrimp adds a nice bite and cooks quickly. Olive oil is my go-to fat here, as it brings flavor without overpowering the dish. Fresh minced garlic gives the pasta a strong, fragrant aroma. For flavor, lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. I often add red pepper flakes for a little heat. A sprinkle of salt and pepper adds depth, while fresh parsley gives a burst of color. If you enjoy cheese, Parmesan adds a rich finish. First, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. This means the water should have big bubbles. Once it is boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 1 minute. You want to smell the garlic, but don’t burn it. Now, add the 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink when they are fully cooked. After the shrimp are cooked, lower the heat. Add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon to the skillet. Then, toss in the cooked pasta. If the pasta looks dry, use the reserved pasta water. Gradually add it until the pasta reaches your desired consistency. This will help the flavors mix well. Lastly, stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. When choosing shrimp, fresh is often best. Fresh shrimp have a sweet taste and firm texture. However, frozen shrimp can work well too. They are often frozen right after being caught, locking in flavor. Look for shrimp that are large and peeled. Large shrimp hold up better in the dish. Smaller shrimp can cook too quickly and may not be as satisfying. To get that perfect al dente pasta, cook it according to the package. This means firm but tender. Always use plenty of salted water. It helps flavor the pasta. Once cooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This water can help make your dish saucy later. If pasta sticks together, try tossing it with a bit of olive oil after draining. This simple step keeps it from clumping. Lemon juice adds a bright taste, but balance is key. If you love a zing, add a bit more lemon juice. Red pepper flakes can kick up the heat. If you prefer less spice, start with a small sprinkle. You can always add more later. Taste as you go, and adjust flavors to your liking. This way, your Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta will shine with your personal touch. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Spinach or cherry tomatoes work great. Spinach wilts down and adds nutrients. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and color. Both options make the dish more colorful and tasty. You can sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This adds a fresh twist and makes the meal healthier. If you want a change from shrimp, try chicken or tofu. Chicken adds a hearty bite, while tofu gives a nice texture for a vegetarian meal. Cook chicken breast in the same way as the shrimp. For tofu, press it first to get rid of extra moisture. Then sauté it until golden. Both options keep the dish delicious and satisfying. Changing the herbs and spices can create new flavors. You might try basil, thyme, or oregano for a different taste. You can also make the dish creamy by adding cheese or cream. Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese after adding the lemon juice. This will give the dish a rich and velvety texture. Experimenting with flavors keeps this meal exciting and fresh. To keep your Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent any odors from the fridge. The pasta stays good for three days in the fridge. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it's best to toss it out. You can freeze this dish for later meals. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir well to bring back that fresh taste. This dish is quick to make. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. You can have it on your table in just 20 minutes. Yes, you can! While spaghetti or linguine works best, you can use any pasta type. Penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta will taste great. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the lemon flavor nicely. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for a balanced meal. This blog lays out a simple guide for making Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, steps for cooking, and some helpful tips. You can also explore tasty variations. With proper storage, your leftovers will stay fresh. Experiment and enjoy this easy dish. You now have the knowledge to make it great every time. Eating well doesn’t have to be hard. Dive into your kitchen and create something delicious today.

Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Savor the vibrant flavors of Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with this quick and easy recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender shrimp, spaghetti, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce that elevates every bite. In just 20 minutes, you can indulge in a delicious meal that's sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and inspire your next dinner!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

        Combine Flavors: Reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon zest and juice, along with the cooked pasta to the skillet. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

          Finish with Freshness: Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

            Serve: Divide the pasta and shrimp among plates, garnishing with grated Parmesan if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4