If you’re in search of a dinner recipe that’s both delicious and simple to put together after a long day, consider Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This dish combines the zestiness of lemon, the aromatic flavor of garlic, and the rich taste of shrimp, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a meal that feels special without needing professional chef skills to prepare. Let’s walk through how to make this delightful dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any type of your choice)
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta as per the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook a bit even after you remove it from the water, so it’s best to lean towards slightly undercooking it in this step. Once done, reserve about a cup of pasta water for later, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
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Prepare the Shrimp: While your pasta is cooking, you can start with the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
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Create the Flavor Base: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add one more tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. This step will infuse the oil with all the garlicky goodness and set the base flavor for your pasta.
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Combine it All: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with garlic and toss it well to coat the pasta in the garlicky oil. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water – this will help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Now, add the cooked shrimp back into the pan.
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Add Lemon: The real game-changer in this dish comes from the lemon. Zest the lemon directly into the pan, then cut it in half and squeeze its juice over the pasta and shrimp. The zest provides a fragrant citrus note, while the juice adds a bright acidity that elevates the whole dish. Stir everything together and heat through for a couple of minutes.
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Season and Serve: Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. The sauce should be clingy and glossy, with every strand of pasta and piece of shrimp flavored with the lemon and garlic.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness right before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a generous grating of parmesan cheese on top will add a salty, umami depth that pairs wonderfully with the brightness of the lemon.
And there you have it, an easy-to-prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that promises to deliver on flavor without demanding too much time or skill in the kitchen. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy family meal. The combination of juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon makes this pasta dish a surefire hit. Serve it up with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out your meal. Enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors on your plate!
