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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) For this dish, I like to keep things simple yet flavorful. The main ingredients are fresh and easy to find. - Pasta: I prefer spaghetti or linguine for this recipe. They hold the sauce well. - Shrimp: Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This cuts down on prep time. - Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a strong flavor. It’s key for this dish. - Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best. It gives a rich taste to the sauce. - Lemon: The zest and juice brighten the dish. Fresh lemon juice works wonders! - Red Pepper Flakes: These add heat. You can adjust the amount for your taste. - Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. - Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a nice touch when serving. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will help you stay organized and focused. Enjoy the process of creating this dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine to the pot. - Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. - Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. - Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. - They should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. - Pour in the zest and juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. - Stir to combine everything well. - Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix. - Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. - If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water little by little. - Mix until you achieve your desired consistency. - Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. To cook shrimp just right, aim for a pink color. Each shrimp should be opaque and firm. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you overcook them, they can become rubbery. Balancing flavors is key. Use fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish. Start with half the lemon juice, then taste. Add more if you like a stronger lemon flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. This helps the shrimp and pasta shine. For a beautiful dish, serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta on a large platter. This makes it look inviting. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a special touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness. It makes the dish look gourmet and professional. Use a large pot for boiling the pasta. A skillet is great for cooking shrimp and mixing everything. Non-stick cookware helps prevent sticking. A good set of kitchen tongs is useful for tossing the pasta and shrimp. You might also want a citrus juicer to get every drop of juice from your lemon. These tools will make your cooking easier and more fun. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to frozen shrimp. Adjust Lemon Zest: Zesting the lemon adds a bright flavor; feel free to add more if you love lemon! Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook your pasta al dente for the best texture that holds up well with the sauce. Garnish with Extra Herbs: Adding extra parsley or even fresh basil at the end elevates the dish's presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try different pasta. You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty. If you don’t have shrimp, feel free to swap it out with other seafood like scallops or even chicken. These proteins will still soak up that great lemon and garlic flavor. Adding vegetables brings more nutrition and color to the dish. Spinach wilts nicely, adding a fresh touch. Cherry tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness and extra flavor. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try basil or thyme for a new taste. A pinch of oregano can give it an Italian twist, too. Want to change the sauce? You can make it creamier by adding heavy cream or a splash of white wine. This gives the dish a rich, velvety feel. If you prefer more heat, try different peppers. Jalapeños or crushed red pepper can add zing. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste for a perfect meal every time. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You should eat it within three days for the best taste. If you notice any strange smell or changes in color, throw it away. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack the pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. On the stove, warm it gently in a pan over low heat. Add a little olive oil or butter to boost flavor. After reheating, taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. You may want to add more lemon juice or salt. If you want to swap shrimp, try these options: - Chicken: Cut boneless chicken into pieces. Cook until golden. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Cube it and sauté until crisp. - Scallops: These add a sweet flavor. Cook until they turn opaque. - Salmon: Cut into chunks. Cook until the outside is crispy. These proteins work well with the lemon and garlic flavors. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta: Drain and toss it with olive oil. It won’t stick. - Cook the shrimp: You can cook it earlier. Just reheat before serving. - Make the sauce: Mix garlic, lemon, and oil. Store in the fridge. - Timing: Combine everything just before serving. This keeps it fresh. Look for these signs to know shrimp is done: - Color: It should turn pink. - Texture: Shrimp should be firm, not mushy. - Shape: Cooked shrimp curls into a C shape. To check, cut one open. It should be opaque inside. Avoid overcooking for the best flavor. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and useful tips for perfecting the dish. I also provided variations to tailor it to your taste and storage advice for leftovers. Cooking should be fun and satisfying. With practice, you can create a dish that impresses anyone. Enjoy making this meal and experimenting with your own twists!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and quick pasta dish featuring shrimp, garlic, and a zesty lemon flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Pour in the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir well.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Serve on a large platter or in individual bowls, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, quick meal, shrimp