Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
"Savor the best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe! A quick, flavorful dish with fresh lemon, garlic, and tender shrimp, perfect for any dinner occasion."
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.