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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) The ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta are simple yet packed with flavor. You will need spaghetti or linguine, which gives a nice bite. Large shrimp are ideal because they cook quickly and soak up all the flavors. Garlic adds depth, while olive oil keeps everything smooth. The zest and juice of the lemon bring brightness and tang. If you like heat, red pepper flakes are a fun addition. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a creamy touch. Each serving has about 400 calories. The dish is rich in protein and healthy fats from the shrimp and olive oil. It also provides carbs from the pasta. This balance makes it a satisfying meal. If you need gluten-free options, try using gluten-free pasta. It works well and tastes great. For a different protein, chicken or tofu can replace shrimp. Both options add their own unique flavor while keeping it fun. To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This step helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta is firm when bitten. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and, if you like, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for just 1 minute. Be careful here; you don’t want to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your dish. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. You’ll need 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After the shrimp is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Now, add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon to the skillet. This adds a bright flavor to the dish. Next, add the reserved pasta. Toss everything together to mix well. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time. Stir until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely without being too runny. For the final touch, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This adds freshness and a pop of color. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To know when shrimp is perfectly cooked, look for a bright pink color. The shrimp should curl into a 'C' shape. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Season your shrimp well. Use salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. You can also use paprika or lemon zest for a fresh twist. Pair your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a light salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad works well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds color and brightness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese gives extra flavor. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking shrimp. Keep an eye on them as they cook. If you burn garlic, it can ruin your dish. Gather essential tools for cooking this dish. You need a large pot for pasta, a skillet for shrimp, and a good knife for chopping. A set of measuring cups is handy too. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can add some heat to your dish by using chili flakes. Just sprinkle them in while cooking the shrimp. If you like fresh peppers, try using jalapeños or serranos. Chop them finely and add them with the garlic. The spice will give a nice kick to the lemon garlic shrimp pasta. Adding veggies makes the dish colorful and healthy. Spinach and cherry tomatoes work well. Just toss them in when you sauté the shrimp. Be sure to adjust the cooking times, so the veggies stay crisp. For spinach, add it just a minute before you finish cooking. For tomatoes, add them when you add the shrimp. If you crave creaminess, add some heavy cream or a dairy-free option. Stir it in after you cook the shrimp. This will make the sauce rich and smooth. Be careful to balance the flavors. You may want to add a bit more lemon juice to keep the taste bright. Explore these variations to make your lemon garlic shrimp pasta unique. You can find the full recipe linked above for more details! To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic ones. This dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Place the pasta and shrimp in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat your pasta gently to keep the texture nice. The stovetop method works best. Just add a splash of water and warm it over low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to help it warm evenly. I recommend using either spaghetti or linguine for this dish. Both types hold the sauce well. Spaghetti offers a classic texture, while linguine has a flat surface that grips the sauce nicely. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed. This option is friendly for folks with gluten sensitivity. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil or water to help loosen the sauce. You can swap regular pasta for whole grain or zucchini noodles. This will boost fiber and nutrients. Use less olive oil or replace it with vegetable broth to cut calories. You can also reduce the shrimp amount and add more veggies, like spinach or cherry tomatoes. This choice adds color and vitamins without losing flavor. This blog post showed you how to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We covered the right ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned about tasty variations and smart storage tips for leftovers. This dish is easy to prepare, rich in flavors, and perfect for sharing. I hope you feel ready to try it yourself. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that's perfect for any night! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and garlic, all tossed with al dente pasta for a delightful meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you're cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to make a delicious dinner? Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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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

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

          Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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