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This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is simple and full of flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special. You can serve it for a family dinner or impress friends. It takes only about 25 minutes to make, so it’s great for busy nights. - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a mild scent. Choose a lemon that feels heavy for its size, as it will be juicy. Fresh parsley should be bright green and fragrant. Using quality ingredients will enhance the taste of your dish. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and easy. You’ll need spaghetti or linguine, shrimp, garlic, and lemon. Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic to release its strong flavor. Zest and juice the lemon for a bright taste. Chop the parsley for a fresh touch. To sauté shrimp perfectly, use a large skillet. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes first. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a great base for flavor. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. They should be opaque and firm. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the shrimp is cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together gently. If the pasta looks dry, add small amounts of reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the ideal consistency. You want the dish to be light and creamy, not sticky. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Now, you have a bright, tasty dish ready to serve! To boost the taste, salt is key. Use kosher salt when boiling pasta. It helps flavor the noodles. For the shrimp, season well with salt and pepper. Don't be shy! A little red pepper adds a nice kick. Adjust it to your taste. Fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the dish. They add a fresh, zesty note that works wonders. Fresh parsley also helps balance the dish. Use it generously for a pop of color and flavor. Cook shrimp quickly to keep them tender. Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding shrimp. They should cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink, flip them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch them closely. If you're unsure, cut one open. It should be opaque all the way through. Make your dish look as good as it tastes! Use a large bowl for serving. Twirl the pasta for a nice nest shape. Top it with a sprinkle of parsley for color. A lemon wedge on the side adds a fresh touch. You might also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This adds a rich finish. For extra flair, think about using grated parmesan cheese. It melts slightly and adds creaminess. For the full recipe, check the link above! {{image_2}} You can swap the pasta for gluten-free options like rice noodles or zucchini noodles. For the shrimp, use chicken or tofu if you prefer. Both options work well in this dish. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp is a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. For gluten-free lovers, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. You will still enjoy a rich flavor. If you’re watching carbs, spiralized veggies like zucchini or squash are great low-carb alternatives. They add nutrition without the extra carbs. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes or fresh chilies. You can also try different herbs like basil or thyme for a new twist. For a zesty kick, add lemon zest or lime juice. Each change can make the dish unique and keep it exciting. To keep leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid letting it sit out too long to prevent bacteria growth. Keep the shrimp and pasta mixed together for the best flavor. When you reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. If you choose this method, cover the dish with a paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This keeps the shrimp from becoming tough. If you want to freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, it’s best to do so before adding the shrimp. Cook the pasta and let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Cook fresh shrimp, and mix them with the thawed pasta. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. When you reheat it, the shrimp may lose some texture. However, the flavors will still shine through. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or using cold water. After thawing, dry the shrimp with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly and prevents extra water in your dish. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the pasta well. - Green Salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. - Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies provide a nice crunch and color. Feel free to explore these ideas to create a full meal. For the detailed cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. This post covered everything you need for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking techniques for perfect shrimp. You also got tips for flavor and presentation. Variations and storage info help tailor the dish to your needs. To make this meal shine, focus on freshness and seasoning. Enjoy the process, and remember: good food brings joy to the table!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Delight your taste buds with this zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a refreshing lemon-garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

          Finish with Freshness: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor burst. Check for seasoning and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

            Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls, topping with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish each plate with more chopped parsley and a lemon wedge for a vibrant look. Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil on top for an extra touch of elegance.