Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Easy and Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 lemons zest and juice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• to taste salt and pepper
• optional Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn pink—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained linguine, tossing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional parsley and a slice of lemon for a fresh touch.