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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright, zesty, and quick dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a fresh garlic and lemon sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a perfect balance of vibrant citrus flavors and satisfying protein, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a light yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp

Produce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water to help bind the sauce later.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side.
  3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, then toss in the chopped parsley for freshness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add more pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
  • Cook shrimp just until pink and firm to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to create a silky and cohesive sauce.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to balance flavors.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness and depth.
  • Feel free to add quick-cooking veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the shrimp cooking step for added nutrition and color.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
  • To make a creamy variation, stir in a small amount of cream or mascarpone at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, gluten free pasta recipe, lemon pasta, garlic shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta/