This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright and tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp and zesty lemon with tender pasta. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
I love how the garlic makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while this cooks. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen!
For an extra treat, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving—it gives a lovely pop of color and flavor! Enjoy a plate of sunshine tonight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works best in this dish, but you can easily swap it for any pasta you have on hand—like fettuccine or even penne. Each shape will give a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can work just as well. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you’re looking for a different protein, try chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but use less, about 1/8 teaspoon for every garlic clove. However, fresh garlic truly makes a difference!
Lemon: This recipe calls for both lemon juice and zest, which brighten up the flavors. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do, but it’s best to use the zest from real lemons for the best flavor profile.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Getting shrimp just right is important for this dish! If you overcook them, they can become rubbery. Here’s how to ensure your shrimp are tender and juicy:
- Start with a hot skillet and oil to sear the shrimp quickly.
- Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done.
- Always use a timer to avoid keeping them on the heat for too long.
Following these tips will make sure your shrimp are cooked perfectly every time!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes cooking the shrimp and combining everything. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and adding a pinch of salt. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and be sure to save a cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely pink and opaque color. If you’re using red pepper flakes for some heat, sprinkle them in now!
4. Flavoring the Dish:
Now it’s time to add some brightness! Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the shrimp. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Combining with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well coated with the delicious sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a nice color and freshness to your dish!
7. Ready to Serve:
Serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like it creamy. Enjoy every bite of this easy and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti work best, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer like fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Shrimp?
No problem! You can use frozen shrimp instead. Just make sure to thaw them properly by leaving them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water until defrosted. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Pasta Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing the garlic!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to prevent it from drying out.
