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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving To make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta, you need fresh ingredients. Choose large shrimp with a firm texture. The shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. For lemons, pick ones that are bright and heavy for their size. This means they have more juice. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine. You can also toss in some baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. These additions brighten the dish and make it more fun. I recommend using high-quality olive oil for better taste. Fresh garlic makes a big difference too. Trust me; it will elevate your dish. You can find the full recipe in the section above. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. To check, taste a piece before draining. When it’s ready, save half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and put it in a large mixing bowl. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 1 minute. Watch the garlic closely. It should smell great and turn slightly golden but not burnt. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Once the shrimp is ready, take the drained pasta from the bowl. Add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add the lemon zest. Remember that pasta water you saved? Pour in about 1/4 cup of it. Gently toss everything together. This helps the flavors mix well. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This warms everything up and lets the flavors meld perfectly. - Overcooking the shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink. If they cook too long, they can become tough. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Not reserving pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to bind the sauce and pasta, making it creamy and flavorful. - Suggestions for adding herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish. You can also add a pinch of oregano for a nice twist. - Using cream or butter for a richer sauce: If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end. This gives a nice depth to the flavor. - Ideal side dishes to serve with Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well. They add freshness and balance to the meal. - Recommended wine pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well with this dish. Its acidity complements the lemon and shrimp flavors beautifully. For more details on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} If you don't have shrimp, you can use chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs or breasts work well. Tofu gives a nice texture and flavor. For a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or quinoa pasta. These alternatives can match the dish's taste and keep it light. For a new twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach. These ingredients give extra color and flavor. You can also try other citrus fruits, like lime or orange. Each fruit adds its own unique taste and freshness to the dish. Want to explore global flavors? Try adding olives and feta for a Mediterranean feel. This combination offers a salty, savory kick. For an Asian-inspired twist, use soy sauce and sesame oil. This change adds depth and a hint of umami to the pasta. Explore these variations to make the dish your own! For the original recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Store your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can safely keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps revive the flavors and keeps it moist. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. The shrimp may lose some texture when thawed but will still taste great. Preparing ingredients ahead saves time. Chop garlic and parsley in advance. You can even clean and devein the shrimp the day before. Store these items in separate containers. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. This way, you can whip up your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta in just 20 minutes! The best pasta for Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is spaghetti or linguine. These noodles hold the sauce well and add to the dish's elegance. You can also try fettuccine for a thicker bite. Choose a good quality pasta for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and pasta together. Add a splash of lemon juice for freshness. To make this dish spicier, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers. For a different heat, try a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Just be careful not to overdo it; heat builds up. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry before cooking for the best texture. Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a balanced dish. It provides protein from shrimp, carbs from pasta, and healthy fats from olive oil. A serving has about 400-500 calories, depending on portion size. It's also rich in vitamins from lemon and parsley. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients, steps, and tips to make it perfect. Remember to select fresh shrimp and not overcook it. You can add your twist with herbs or spices, too. This dish is easy to store and reheat. Try different variations to keep it exciting. With these tips, you can create a meal that's both tasty and satisfying. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends and family for a great time.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Delight your taste buds with this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe that's perfect for any occasion! This dish combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, all tossed with your choice of spaghetti or linguine. It's easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes. Serve it up with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a meal that’s not only delicious but looks stunning too. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring it to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden (be careful not to burn it).

      Add the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste during cooking.

        Combine with Pasta: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest, along with the reserved pasta water. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to warm everything through and help the flavors meld beautifully.

          Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture elegantly, and if desired, generously top with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

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

              - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, twirl the pasta on plates using a fork, then arrange the shrimp artfully on top. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color.