shrimp lemon pasta
This delightful Shrimp Lemon Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 zester or grater
- 1 tongs or pasta server
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, then add the lemon zest and juice to the shrimp. Toss to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Toss in the fresh parsley and mix well.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Consider serving the dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
This dish can be complemented with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.