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To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you'll need: - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Every ingredient is important. For the pasta, you can use spaghetti or linguine, depending on your taste. If you want a lighter option, use zucchini noodles instead. For the shrimp, large shrimp is best for this dish, but medium shrimp also work. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove. You can replace unsalted butter with ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free choice. If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. Fresh ingredients shine in this dish. Fresh shrimp gives better flavor and texture. Always buy shrimp that smells clean and fresh. For garlic, fresh cloves are best. They add a strong, rich taste. Lemon zest adds brightness. Use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Pre-packaged lemon juice lacks the same zing. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried parsley. However, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. When possible, choose fresh over pre-packaged for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to make it taste like the sea. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the rest. Now, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Let them melt together. Once hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic! Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and curl up. After cooking the shrimp, add the juice and zest of 1 lemon to the pan. Stir to combine. This will bring a bright flavor to the dish. Don’t forget to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet; they add great taste! Next, toss in the cooked pasta and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together. If the pasta looks dry, add more pasta water to create a light sauce. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Enjoy your dish hot, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. To get shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for large shrimp that are pink and firm. When cooking, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, then garlic. This makes a tasty base. Add shrimp next. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and curl slightly. This shows they are done. If you overcook shrimp, they can become tough. Remember, shrimp cook fast! Seasoning is key to great flavor. Use salt and pepper to taste. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice level. If you want a bolder lemon taste, add more lemon juice. The lemon zest gives a fresh aroma. Also, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley. They brighten the dish and add color. Taste as you go, and make adjustments! This dish works well for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp and pasta in advance. Store them separately to keep the pasta from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them. You can add a splash of olive oil or pasta water to keep it moist. This way, you get a fresh taste even after storing. Enjoy a healthy meal in no time! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy them from a reputable seafood market on the day of cooking. Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly; once they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce and help it cling to the pasta better. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the shrimp. It will elevate the dish significantly! {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to this dish for more color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach work well. To make this, cook your chosen veggies in the skillet after the garlic. Then, add the shrimp and follow the rest of the steps. This keeps the dish light and fresh while adding great texture. If you love creamy pasta, this option is for you. After cooking the shrimp, add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This will create a rich sauce that blends perfectly with the lemon and garlic. Toss in the pasta like before. You can still add parsley and cheese for extra flavor. For spice lovers, this version brings the heat. Use more red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers. You can adjust the spice level to your taste. Just add them when cooking the garlic. This fiery twist adds excitement to the dish and wakes up your taste buds. After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay fresh. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently for about five minutes until it’s warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so without the shrimp. Cooked shrimp can become rubbery when frozen. Store the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Cook fresh shrimp and mix them in for a delightful meal. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw the shrimp before cooking. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Make sure to pat them dry before sautéing. This keeps the dish tasty and prevents excess water in the pan. Spaghetti or linguine works best for this dish. Both types hold the sauce well. They also pair nicely with the shrimp and garlic. You can try other shapes too, like fettuccine or penne. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good options available. Look for brands made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These pasta types cook well and taste great. Follow the package instructions for the best results. This article covered how to make a great Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We explored the key ingredients and the right measures for each. You learned how to prepare and cook the shrimp perfectly. I also shared tips for adjusting flavors and meal prep options. You have various tasty variations to try, from adding veggies to a creamy sauce. Plus, proper storage and reheating make enjoying leftovers easy. Use frozen shrimp or gluten-free pasta if you need. Now, you're ready to enjoy this dish anytime!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon, tossed with spaghetti and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  • Add the lemon juice and zest to the pan, stirring to combine and deglaze any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet along with half of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley for freshness.
  • Adjust seasoning as necessary and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Notes

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