Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luscious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The bright citrus notes dance with the savory aroma of garlic wafting through the air, and you can practically hear your taste buds cheering in delight. This dish is not just food; it’s like a spontaneous party on your plate. Whether it’s a cozy night in or an impromptu gathering with friends, this pasta recipe brings sunshine to any occasion.
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My mom’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights when she took her first bite, and suddenly everyone was fighting over who got the last shrimp. It’s moments like these that make cooking so special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to whip it up every week (or at least until your shrimp-loving friends start begging for something else).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is quick to prepare and full of flavor
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have available
- Perfect for date night or impressing guests without breaking a sweat
I once served this dish at a friend’s housewarming party, and the compliments flowed as freely as the wine!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite pasta; they both work well in soaking up that delightful sauce.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work fine; just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced ones; they pack a much better flavor punch.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this dish its signature brightness; bottled just won’t cut it.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richer taste; it adds depth to the sauce.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only enhances flavor but also adds beautiful color to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle these in if you’re feeling spicy; they add a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by boiling water for your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute—being careful not to let it brown too much.
Next, toss in those glorious shrimp! Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about two to three minutes per side depending on their size. Give them some space in the pan so they can sear nicely!
Once your shrimp are cooked through, pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together so those flavors meld beautifully.
Drain the pasta once it’s done cooking but reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining! Add the drained pasta directly into your skillet along with chopped parsley and stir well. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Finally, season generously with salt and pepper before serving hot! Enjoy every mouthful of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta as if you’ve just discovered gold at the end of the rainbow—because trust me; that’s exactly how it feels when you take that first bite!
You Must Know
- Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a quick dish bursting with flavor
- Fresh ingredients and the right technique make it a family favorite
- The aroma of garlic and lemon will have everyone at the table before it’s even served!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in lemon and garlic for about 15 minutes. Sauté this mixture while cooking your pasta simultaneously to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and added nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for better texture and flavor
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just opaque when done
- Always reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed
The first time I made lemon garlic shrimp pasta, my friends devoured it before I could even take a picture! Their compliments warmed my heart, and I knew I had found a winner dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for lemon garlic shrimp pasta?
You can, but fresh shrimp yields a better texture and flavor.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine pairs wonderfully with the lemon garlic sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?
Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 3-5 minutes to cook.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, ready in just 30 minutes for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or Linguine
- Fresh Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh Garlic (minced)
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet, tossing with chopped parsley and reserved water as needed for sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 170mg