![- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) - Salt and pepper - Tips for Adjusting Seasoning I love using fresh and simple ingredients in Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. For the base, choose either spaghetti or linguine. Both work perfectly with the shrimp. I prefer large shrimp, as they soak up the flavors well. Olive oil is key for sautéing the garlic and shrimp. Use fresh garlic to add a fragrant taste. Lemon zest and juice give the dish its bright flavor. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as you go. Start with a little, then add more if needed. You can find the full recipe [here]. Boiling Water & Cooking Time Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. Reserving Pasta Water Before you drain the pasta, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps to thicken the sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. Preparing the Skillet In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like a kick, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. This helps to release the garlic's flavor without burning it. Cooking Time for Shrimp Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Adding Pasta and Sauce Components Lower the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss everything together gently. Achieving Desired Sauce Consistency Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the reserved pasta water, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, while tossing the pasta. This will help create a silky sauce. Keep tossing until you reach your desired sauce thickness. Adjust the taste if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal! For the full recipe, check the section above. How to Know When Shrimp is Done Shrimp cooks fast. Look for a pink color and a firm texture. When shrimp curl into a "C" shape, they are ready. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If they turn white, they may be overcooked. Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp To avoid overcooked shrimp, use medium-high heat. Stir often, and don’t crowd the pan. If shrimp cook too long, they get tough. Always remove them from heat as soon as they look pink and opaque. Tips for Al Dente Pasta For al dente pasta, cook it for 1-2 minutes less than the package says. Start tasting it a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender when you bite into it. Reheating Leftover Pasta To reheat leftover pasta, add a splash of water and cover it. Microwave it for about 1-2 minutes. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Garnishing Ideas Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges. These add a bright touch. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Pairing with Sides and Drinks Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Both enhance the meal’s flavors. For a full recipe, explore the steps to create this delightful dish. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Options If you want a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Rice noodles or zucchini noodles are also good choices. They soak up the sauce well and keep the dish light. Low-Carb Alternatives For a low-carb option, swap pasta for spiralized vegetables like zucchini or squash. These add crunch and flavor. You can also use shirataki noodles. They have few calories and carbs, making them a great choice for low-carb diets. Adding Vegetables Mix in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. Spinach wilts nicely and adds a mild taste. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor when cooked. You can also try bell peppers or broccoli for a crunchy texture. Different Proteins If you want to switch things up, use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Cook the chicken until golden brown for a hearty meal. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a tasty plant-based option. Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce For a creamy twist, add heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce. Stir it in after cooking the shrimp. This makes the dish rich and smooth. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth. Adding Herbs or Spices Herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish. Fresh or dried herbs work well. You can also add spices like paprika or cumin for a different kick. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste. For a full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays tasty for about three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, ensure it cools completely before sealing it. If you want to store your pasta for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it in a skillet on low. Add a splash of olive oil or pasta water to help it warm evenly. Stir until heated through, and enjoy! To keep your pasta tasty, avoid freezing it with sauce for best results. Instead, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. This helps maintain the texture of both. When you reheat, mix them together for a fresh taste. For best flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley after reheating. This adds a burst of freshness that is key to a great meal. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, follow these simple steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook your spaghetti or linguine until al dente. Save some pasta water before draining. 2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and, if you like spice, red pepper flakes. Cook for one minute. 3. Add Shrimp: Increase heat and add shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink. 4. Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat. Mix in the cooked pasta with the shrimp. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and more olive oil. Stir in reserved pasta water until the sauce is just right. 5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Mix in fresh parsley. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if you want. This recipe is quick and gives you a burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will save time and ensure even cooking. When you cook frozen shrimp, add an extra minute to the cooking time. This gives them enough time to heat through. Make sure they turn pink and opaque. Always check for doneness, as you want them just cooked. If you don't have white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Both add great flavor without the wine. Another option is a mix of lemon juice and a splash of vinegar. This gives you the acidity that wine offers. You can also use apple juice or white grape juice for a sweeter taste. Just remember to adjust the other flavors to balance it. These swaps help keep your pasta dish tasty, no matter what you have on hand. This guide covered how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We explored essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to cook shrimp and pasta perfectly. Dietary options and variations help you customize the dish. Remember to store leftovers right to keep them fresh. Enjoy creating this meal, sharing it with others, and exploring new flavors. With a little practice, you’ll become an expert in the kitchen. Happy cooking!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2a4cc395-0d72-44f1-99ce-14431c0b4885-250x250.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Whip up a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in no time with this quick and flavorful recipe! Perfectly sautéed shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic create a dish that's sure to impress. Ideal for any weeknight dinner, this meal is not only simple but also packed with bright flavors. Click through to discover the easy steps and tips for making this delightful pasta that your family and friends will love!