Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp. This trio, paired with perfectly cooked pasta, creates a dish that’s light, flavorful, and satisfying. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta has become a favorite not just for its taste but for its simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill.
Table of Contents
- Preparation Time
15 minutes - Cooking Time
20 minutes - Serves
4 adults - Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients :
- Shrimp: 1 pound (large, peeled, deveined)
- Pasta: 12 ounces (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon (from fresh lemon)
- Garlic: 6 cloves (minced)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Lemon Slices: Optional for serving
Optional Add-ons
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (grated, for serving)
- Vegetables: 1 cup (e.g., cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus, sautéed)
These precise amounts will ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Adjust seasonings and garnish to taste!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this delightful dish is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Preparing the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
. Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Let it simmer gently.
Combining the Dish
Mixing the Components:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
Perfecting the Texture:
- Adjust consistency by adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Sprinkle parsley for freshness and a pop of color.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Shrimp: Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Watch for a pink hue and slightly curled shape.
- Pasta Water: The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed.
Variations and Add-ons
Get creative with your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta by trying these twists:
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
- Proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken, salmon, or tofu for variety.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or feta adds a rich, savory note.
Health Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious too:
- Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in selenium and iodine.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and heart-health benefits.
- Lemon: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal with these pairings:
- Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the lemony notes.
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad make excellent accompaniments.
Storage and Reheating
Keep your leftovers fresh with these tips:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: They cook quickly—don’t leave them on the stove too long.
- Excess Lemon: Too much can overpower the other flavors.
- Skipping Pasta Water: This key ingredient ties the sauce together.
Serving Suggestions Of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Presentation: Serve in a shallow bowl with a slice of lemon on the side.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a twist of black pepper.
Wrapping Up the Experience of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. With its quick preparation and elegant appeal, this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients and give it a try tonight. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe? Linguine or spaghetti works best, but any pasta will do.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely, just thaw them properly before cooking.
4. Is this recipe spicy? Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
5. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking? Stir occasionally while cooking and toss immediately in the sauce.
6. Can I freeze leftovers? It’s not recommended, as the shrimp and sauce can lose texture upon reheating.
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound , large, peeled, deveined
- Pasta: 12 ounces, spaghetti, linguine, or your choice
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon, from fresh lemon
- Garlic: 6 cloves minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Lemon Slices: Optional for serving
Optional Add-ons
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (grated, for serving)
- Vegetables: 1 cup (e.g., cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus, sautéed)
Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Let it simmer gently.
Combining the Dish
Mixing the Components:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
Perfecting the Texture:
- Adjust consistency by adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Sprinkle parsley for freshness and a pop of color.
