Go Back
To create Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather for a delightful meal: - 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) These ingredients come together beautifully. Each plays a role in building flavor. The shrimp brings protein, while the pasta provides a nice base. Olive oil adds richness, and garlic gives a punch. The red pepper flakes offer heat, and the lemon brightens the dish. Fresh tomatoes add sweetness, and parsley brings color. I love using fresh ingredients. They make your dish taste better. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice level. If you want, you can even add grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s creamy and savory. For the full recipe, check out the link above. With these ingredients, you’re on your way to a tasty meal! Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the linguine and cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, reserve one cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about one minute until the garlic smells good. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook this mix for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften a bit. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then, add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. If the pasta looks dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the right consistency. Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Plate the pasta and top it with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. A sprinkle of extra parsley and a slice of lemon make for a great garnish. For the complete recipe, you can refer to the Full Recipe. To get the heat just right, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. If you love spice, add more. Taste as you go to find your perfect level. When choosing olive oil, pick a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds a rich flavor to the dish. Avoid oils labeled as "light" or "pure." They have less taste. To know when shrimp are done, look for their color. They should turn bright pink. The flesh will also become opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Reserving pasta water is key. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. The starchy water adds a silky texture. Always save about one cup before draining your pasta. For a pretty finish, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. This adds color and freshness to your plate. Serve your pasta with a side salad. A crisp, green salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish. Enjoy your meal with a light white wine for a special touch. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can mix things up by swapping shrimp for chicken or zucchini. If you love chicken, use about a pound of boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way you cook shrimp. For a veggie option, zucchini works great. Slice it into half-moons and sauté until tender. If gluten is a concern, try gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that work well in this dish. Just follow the cooking time on the package for best results. Want to add more depth to your dish? Consider adding a splash of white wine. Pour in about half a cup after you sauté the garlic. Let it simmer until it reduces a little. This step adds a nice layer of flavor. You can also toss in fresh spinach or other greens. Add them after the tomatoes and let them wilt down for a healthy boost. They add color and nutrients, making your dish even better. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the shrimp. You can replace it with more veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers. Sauté them until soft, then follow the rest of the recipe. If you want a dairy-free option for the Parmesan, try using a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast. These choices will give you a similar flavor without the dairy. To store your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Use a glass or plastic container that seals well. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating pasta, you want it warm, not dry. The best method is to use the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir often to mix in the moisture. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of water and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This keeps the pasta from drying out. For a tasty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. It brightens the flavors and makes the dish feel fresh! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in a good airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Always cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing it. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. You can mix them together when ready to eat. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can serve a fresh side salad with this dish. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works nicely. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a healthy option. It provides lean protein from shrimp and complex carbs from pasta. The dish contains healthy fats from olive oil and vitamins from tomatoes and parsley. Just watch the portion sizes and extra toppings like cheese. For more details, check the Full Recipe. This recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines fresh flavors and easy steps. You saw how to cook pasta, sauté shrimp, and make a tasty garlic sauce. I shared tips on perfecting flavor and proper storage too. You can try fun ingredient swaps and variations to make it your own. Enjoy this dish anytime, whether for a quick meal or a special dinner. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and I hope this recipe helps you create something delicious!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? Try this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe that combines fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic for an unforgettable meal. It's easy to make with simple ingredients and comes together in no time. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe, cooking tips, and variations to create your perfect pasta dish!
Print Recipe Pin 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 (adjust to taste)

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: 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.

    Sauté the Shrimp: 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.

      Prepare the Garlic Sauce: 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.

        Add Tomatoes and Citrus: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: 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.

            Final Touches: Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional parsley and a slice of lemon for a fresh touch.

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