Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare Shrimp
While pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Create Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic, and toss to coat. If the mixture is too dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Once the pasta is well coated with the sauce, stir in the zest and juice of the lemon.
Step 5: Add Shrimp and Finish Dish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss with the pasta and lemon sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to reheat the shrimp. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment and Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or pasta spoon
Preparation
Have all the ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go—mis en place—before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly once started.
Cooking Process
Cook your pasta and shrimp as described, creating a sauce with garlic and lemon. Toss everything together in the skillet to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly, adding pasta water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Finish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks
Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they can become tough if cooked for too long.
Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta.
Lemon zest adds a bright flavor, so don’t skip it in favor of just lemon juice.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 600-700 (approximate, may vary based on ingredient quantities and substitutions)
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 35g
Introduction:
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a celebration of simple yet bold flavors, combining succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. It’s an elegantly easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. You’ll love how the tangy lemon and spicy garlic bring a light, refreshing twist to hearty pasta.
(h2>Tips and Variations:
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
If you enjoy a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before adding the parmesan cheese.
Flavor Profile:
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta has a delicate balance of flavors: the brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and a slight kick from the pepper flakes, all harmonizing with the savory taste the shrimp and umami from the parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress with its combination of vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. Enjoy a meal that’s as delicious and satisfying as it is quick and easy to make, perfect for those who love to delight their taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen.
