Go Back
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving For this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need to gather a few key items. First, the pasta. Spaghetti or linguine works well. You’ll also need a pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves you time while cooking. Next, garlic is essential. Four cloves, minced, will give a lovely flavor. For the cooking essentials, grab olive oil and unsalted butter. They add richness and help cook the shrimp. Now, for flavor enhancers. The zest and juice of one large lemon bring brightness. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Don’t forget salt and pepper for basic seasoning. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end. Lastly, have some grated Parmesan cheese ready for serving. This will make the dish even more delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. - Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic smells good. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. - Next, season 1 lb of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. - Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. - The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Stir the shrimp into the garlic mixture. - Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. - Pour in the juice and zest of 1 large lemon. - Incorporate the reserved pasta water to help mix it all together. Toss until everything is well coated. - Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. - Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. - Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. How to know when shrimp are perfectly cooked Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. Watch for this change. If shrimp curl into a tight "C" shape, they are overcooked. Avoid chewy shrimp by cooking for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Importance of reserving pasta cooking water Always save some pasta water before draining. This water holds starch that helps thicken sauces. When you mix it with the shrimp and lemon juice, it creates a silky texture. Use about 1/2 cup for the best results. Suggestions for additional spices and herbs You can play with flavors! Add fresh basil or thyme for an herby kick. A pinch of smoked paprika offers a nice smoky taste. Experiment with crushed red pepper for extra heat. How to balance flavors with acid from lemon Lemon adds brightness. To balance its tartness, use a bit of salt and butter. This makes the dish rich and smooth. Always taste before serving to adjust flavors as needed. Best side dishes to pair with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Serve with a crisp green salad for crunch. Garlic bread is a classic choice that complements the meal. Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition to your plate. Ideal wine pairings for this dish A chilled white wine works well. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the lemon and garlic flavors. They also refresh your palate with each bite. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce. Fresh Shrimp: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell and devein them yourself. Balance Flavors: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt can enhance the flavors beautifully. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist on the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the pasta you use. Here are some ideas: - Whole wheat spaghetti: This option adds fiber and a nutty flavor. - Gluten-free pasta: Look for options made from rice or chickpeas. - Zoodles: For a low-carb choice, try spiralized zucchini instead. - Penne or fusilli: These shapes hold sauce well and add fun textures. You can adapt this dish to fit your diet. Here’s how: - Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese. - Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. - Vegan: Use the same vegetable options and a vegan butter substitute. Experimenting can add new tastes to your pasta: - Citrus twist: Try lime or orange juice for a different zing. - Creamy texture: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness. - Herb upgrades: Fresh basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. - Nutty crunch: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts add a nice crunch. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, follow the freezing tips below. You can reheat this pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat it on low and stir often. In the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the pasta from becoming mushy. Yes, you can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! However, the shrimp may lose some texture. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Squeeze out air to avoid freezer burn. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stovetop method for the best results. Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes about 25 minutes. - Prep time is 10 minutes. - Cooking time is 15 minutes. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Run them under cold water for about 10 minutes. Fresh shrimp gives a better taste, but frozen works too. To spice up this dish, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Try a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Adjust to your spice level and enjoy! This pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A mixed greens salad with lemon dressing is great. Garlic bread also complements the flavors nicely. You could even serve some roasted veggies on the side. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove for best results. In this article, we explored making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great taste. Don't forget to try different pasta options or dietary adjustments if needed. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the fresh flavors and consider making extra for leftovers. This meal is perfect for any occasion, and it’s easy to adapt. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and vibrant pasta dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, along with the reserved pasta cooking water, and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Stir in the chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and toss again. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, shrimp