Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of shrimp with the zesty flavor of lemon and the warmth of garlic. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The pasta is coated in a light sauce made from the cooking water, olive oil, and butter, creating a wonderfully rich and satisfying meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, which is great for busy people. The flavor combination of lemon and garlic enhances the shrimp beautifully, and the pasta is a perfect canvas for these vibrant tastes. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
- 1/2 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with baking soda, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix in the reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with minced parsley for a fresh touch. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a lovely meal. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a little extra olive oil and pasta water if needed.
Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque within just a few minutes.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spice level.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference, so don’t skip this step.
Variation (if any)
For a different twist, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the dish. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking and pat them dry.
2. What if I don’t have spaghetti?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead and cook the pasta right before serving.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count) Make sure to thaw if using frozen shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes Adjust to control spice level
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt Plus more for seasoning the pasta
Pasta and Sauce
- 1/2 pound spaghetti Can substitute with other pasta shapes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 2 cups reserved pasta water Reserve before draining
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced) Fresh lemon is essential
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley For garnish
- to taste Salt and pepper For additional seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with baking soda, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix in the reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with minced parsley.
Notes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count) Make sure to thaw if using frozen shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes Adjust to control spice level
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt Plus more for seasoning the pasta
Pasta and Sauce
- 1/2 pound spaghetti Can substitute with other pasta shapes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 2 cups reserved pasta water Reserve before draining
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced) Fresh lemon is essential
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley For garnish
- to taste Salt and pepper For additional seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with baking soda, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix in the reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with minced parsley.
