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- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, gather your ingredients first. Start with 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Choose a good quality pasta for the best taste. You will need 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and effort. Next, you need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You will also need 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This adds richness to the dish. Don’t forget a lemon! You need to zest and juice it for a bright flavor. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust this to fit your taste. For freshness, chop 1/4 cup of parsley. This adds color and flavor. If you like cheese, you can use 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Lastly, have salt and pepper ready for seasoning. These ingredients come together to create a zesty and delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine until al dente. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking pasta is simple. I always use salted water. It adds flavor to the noodles. The goal is to cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. This gives the best texture when mixed with the shrimp. Saving some pasta water helps later to adjust the dish's moisture. - Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. - Sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, and season with salt and pepper. I love the smell of garlic cooking. It brings warmth to the kitchen. The red pepper flakes add a hint of spice. When you add the shrimp, they should lay flat in the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. - Mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp in the skillet. - Incorporate the juice and zest of 1 lemon. - Adjust moisture with the reserved pasta water. Once the shrimp are ready, it's time to mix! Lower the heat and add the pasta. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest. This brightens the dish and adds zest. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently until well mixed. The flavors will blend beautifully, making your meal shine. - Choosing the right shrimp size: I recommend using large shrimp for this dish. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp labeled "U15" or "16-20" for the best size. - Cooking shrimp until just opaque: Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely. - Using fresh versus dried herbs: Fresh herbs, like parsley, add bright flavor. Dried herbs can work too, but fresh gives the best taste. If using dried, cut the amount in half. - Balancing acidity with lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Start with half the juice and taste. You can always add more if you want a stronger flavor. - How to prevent the pasta from being too dry: To keep your pasta moist, reserve a cup of pasta water. Add it slowly while mixing. This helps create a nice sauce. - Recommended timing for combining ingredients: Mix the pasta with shrimp right after cooking. This way, the pasta absorbs the flavors while staying warm. Toss gently to combine everything well. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible, as they provide a superior flavor and texture compared to frozen varieties. Perfect Pasta: To achieve the perfect al dente pasta, cook it just slightly less than the package instructions, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot shrimp and sauce. Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, start with half the amount of red pepper flakes and adjust to your taste after everything is combined. Serving Tip: For a more elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into nests on the plate and top with shrimp and parsley for a restaurant-style look. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Spinach adds nice color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness. Just toss them in when you cook the shrimp. You can also try different pasta types. Fettuccine or penne works great too. Each shape gives a new twist to the meal. Herbs can change the flavor a lot. You might want to try basil or oregano. They add a fresh taste that pairs well with shrimp. If you like a twist, swap lemon for lime. Lime gives a zesty kick that brightens the dish. Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free pasta. It tastes great and keeps the dish light. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese. The lemon and shrimp provide enough flavor without it. Enjoy these options to fit your diet and still love this meal! To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing the lid. - Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for about 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat your pasta in two main ways: - Microwave: This method is quick. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in 30-second intervals until warm. - Stovetop: For better texture, use the stovetop. Add the pasta to a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. Knowing how long you can keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta helps prevent waste. - Storage Duration: In the fridge, eat it within 3 days. If frozen, enjoy it within 2 months for the best taste. - Signs of Spoilage: Watch for changes in smell and color. If the pasta looks dry or has an off odor, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thawing shrimp is easy. Here are some best practices: - Overnight Method: Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. - Cold Water Method: Put shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for 20-30 minutes. - Quick Method: Rinse shrimp under cold water for a few minutes. Make sure to drain them well before cooking. Avoid using hot water as it can cook the shrimp. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Caesar Salad: A crisp salad adds freshness. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus add color and health. - Roasted Potatoes: A hearty side that complements the meal. These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. The dish has a mild spice level thanks to red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat easily: - For More Heat: Add more red pepper flakes. - For Less Heat: Use fewer flakes or skip them. Taste the dish as you go. Everyone has different spice preferences, so find what works for you. In this blog post, we explored a simple and tasty shrimp pasta recipe. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to perfect your shrimp and add great flavors. Remember, you can tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or seasonings. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy this dish with a side of your choice for a complete meal. Now, get cooking and share this easy recipe with others!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A bright and flavorful pasta dish with shrimp, garlic, and lemon.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 quarter cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 quarter cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper

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 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water to help combine everything. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  • Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
  • Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, shrimp