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- Spaghetti or Linguine: 8 oz - Large Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined - Garlic: 4 cloves, minced - Olive Oil: 1/4 cup - Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (about 2 lemons) - Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon - Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon - Salt and Pepper: to taste - Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped - Grated Parmesan Cheese: for serving To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need a few simple items. The main part of this dish is the pasta and shrimp. Use either spaghetti or linguine. You’ll want about 8 ounces of pasta. For the shrimp, get 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Garlic adds a big flavor. You should use 4 cloves of minced garlic. Now, let’s talk about seasonings. You need 1/4 cup of olive oil. Fresh lemon juice is key, so use 1/4 cup, which is about the juice from 2 lemons. Don't forget the zest of 1 lemon for extra brightness. You can spice things up with red pepper flakes. Just 1/4 teaspoon will work, but you can adjust it to your taste. Salt and pepper are also important for seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You’ll want 1/4 cup of chopped parsley to mix in and some grated Parmesan cheese for serving if you'd like. These ingredients combine to create a fresh and flavorful dish that is sure to impress! - First, cook 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine in boiling water. - Make sure to cook it until it's al dente. - After cooking, drain the pasta. - Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. - In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned. - Now, add 1 lb of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. - Season with salt and pepper. - Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. - Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. - If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water slowly. - Next, toss the cooked spaghetti or linguine into the skillet. - Mix gently to coat the pasta well with the shrimp and garlic sauce. - Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. - Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve right away, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. To know when shrimp are perfect, look for a bright pink color. The shrimp should curl into a loose "C" shape. If they turn too tightly, they may be overcooked. Adjust the seasoning by tasting as you go. Remember, a little salt and pepper can elevate the flavor. You can add fresh herbs like basil or dill for a twist. For a kick, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. To make the dish more zesty, add more lemon juice or a dash of lemon zest. This will brighten the entire meal. For plating, use deep bowls to hold the pasta nicely. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for color. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors and bright presentation! {{image_2}} You can easily switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces. Sauté them in the olive oil just like the shrimp. Cook until they are no longer pink. Tofu is another great choice. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Sauté it in the same way. The garlic and lemon flavors will still shine. If you want to use scallops, you can adapt the recipe too. Choose fresh or frozen scallops. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they are golden brown, they are ready to mix with the pasta. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of seafood. This adds depth to the dish without adding meat. You can also add seasonal vegetables. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor and color. You may also want to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli or asparagus can bring a nice crunch. Just make sure to cut them small enough to cook quickly. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that mimic traditional pasta. Follow the cooking instructions on the package. You can try different cooking methods too. Instead of boiling, think about baking the dish. Combine all the ingredients in a baking dish. Bake it in the oven until heated through. This method can add a nice texture to the meal. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent air from getting in. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the pasta is cool before sealing. This keeps the food safe and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. On the stove, add a little water or olive oil in a pan over low heat. Stir often until it’s warm. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. In the fridge, your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange texture, it's best to throw it away. Trust your senses; they’ll guide you! You can use chicken broth for a savory taste. Vegetable broth works well too. Lemon juice adds brightness without wine. For a sweeter touch, try apple cider vinegar. Each option brings its own flavor. Choose what fits your taste best. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving. Store the shrimp and sauce in the fridge. Keep them in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. It matches the lemon flavor nicely. Pinot Grigio is another good option. It is light and refreshing. If you prefer something richer, a Chardonnay works too. Each wine enhances the dish's taste. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is quite healthy. Shrimp provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Garlic has many health benefits too, like boosting immunity. Fresh parsley adds vitamins and minerals. Overall, it's a balanced meal you can enjoy. This blog post covered all you need to know about making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting your dish. We also explored variations, storage info, and common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that dazzles. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own! Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This vibrant dish features tender shrimp tossed with spaghetti, fresh lemon juice, and garlic for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it can be on your table in just 20 minutes. Explore this mouthwatering recipe now and elevate your pasta nights with zesty goodness that everyone will love! Click to discover the full recipe!
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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

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

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

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and if the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time.

          Toss the cooked spaghetti or linguine into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic, mixing gently to combine and ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

            Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls, garnished with additional parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color.