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To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need a few key ingredients that come together for a tasty meal. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this dish. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor. It cooks up nice and firm. Frozen shrimp is often just as good. It is usually frozen right after being caught. This keeps it fresh for you. Be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water for quick thawing. While spaghetti or linguine works great, feel free to switch it up! You can use penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type brings its own texture and taste. Choose what you enjoy or have on hand. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat pasta is also a great choice. Just remember to cook it according to the package instructions. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package directions until it feels firm yet tender, or al dente. This will usually take about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not brown. Then, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. They will turn pink when ready. Flip them and cook for another 2 minutes until fully done. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir this mixture well to coat the shrimp and garlic. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta gets coated. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired texture. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a fresh touch and color. Adjust the seasoning if you need. Serve right away and enjoy a delicious meal. If you want, top it with grated Parmesan cheese. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta shine, focus on the seasoning. Start with good salt. I like sea salt for its clean taste. Add it to the boiling pasta water. This step is key to flavoring your pasta. When cooking the shrimp, use salt and black pepper. Taste as you go. You want a nice balance. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Remember to mix in lemon zest and juice. This adds brightness and lifts the dish. Choosing the right wine can elevate your meal. For this dish, a crisp white wine works best. I recommend a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Both wines have a fresh taste that pairs well with shrimp. Pour a glass while you cook, and enjoy the aromas! If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir. It won’t overpower the dish. Serve the wine chilled for the best experience. Leftovers can be just as good! Store any pasta in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of olive oil. This helps keep it moist. You can also add a touch of lemon juice for extra flavor. If it seems dry, stir in a bit of pasta water. This dish tastes great even the next day! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost your dish by adding fresh vegetables. Try spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These add color and taste. Simply sauté them with garlic before adding shrimp. This way, you get more vitamins and flavor in every bite. Do you like spice? Add more red pepper flakes for a kick. If you prefer mild, skip the flakes or use less. You can also add a pinch of paprika for warmth without too much heat. Adjusting spice levels makes the dish your own. If you need a gluten-free option, choose rice or corn pasta. They cook well and taste great. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. This way, everyone can enjoy the lemon garlic shrimp pasta. After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store any sauce separately if possible. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water. This keeps it moist. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts. Stir in between for the best results. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal again! You can use chicken or tofu as a shrimp substitute. Chicken adds a nice texture. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. You can also try scallops or fish. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Both will still pair well with lemon and garlic. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese. Instead, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use a dairy-free butter or olive oil. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. Fresh herbs will add flavor too! Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients. It also has a nuttier flavor that complements the lemon and garlic nicely. Just remember to cook it a bit longer than white pasta, so it’s tender. This blog post covered key steps for cooking shrimp pasta. You learned about ingredients, cooking methods, and seasoning tips. I also shared storage ideas and answered common questions. Keep experimenting with flavors and variations to find what you love. Cooking should be fun and easy! Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious shrimp pasta!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Craving a burst of flavor in your dinner routine? Try this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe for a quick and delicious meal! With just a few simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and fresh lemon, you can whip up a delightful dish in just 25 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your night taste extraordinary!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

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

        Pour in the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine with the shrimp and garlic.

          Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

            Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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