![- 8 ounces spaghetti or preferred pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper, to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, start with the main ingredients. You want 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. This is the base of your dish. Next, use 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This way, they are ready to cook. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic packs a punch in flavor. Now, let’s talk about seasoning. You need ¼ cup olive oil. This will help cook the shrimp and add richness. Next, use 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Zest gives a fresh, bright taste. You also need ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice for acidity. Some ingredients are optional. If you want a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and black pepper to your taste. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, so use ¼ cup chopped. Lastly, consider grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a simple yet delightful meal. Happy cooking! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite. To check, taste a strand of pasta. When it’s ready, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in ¼ cup of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it gently to avoid burning. If the garlic turns brown, it will taste bitter. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice. Mix well so the shrimp is coated in the zest and juice. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a nice sauce. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a bright taste. Serve your pasta right away. You can add more parsley or some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp perfectly, timing is key. You want to sauté shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them. How can you tell when shrimp are done? Look for color changes. Raw shrimp is gray and translucent. When cooked, they should be bright pink. The flesh should also feel firm to the touch. Want more zing? You can add more lemon juice or zest. This makes the dish bright and fresh. If you enjoy heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes. For herbs, parsley is great, but you can also try basil or cilantro. Both add unique flavors. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Plating your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta can make it stand out. Start by twirling the pasta on the plate. This creates height and looks appealing. For garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can also add lemon wedges for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness. These simple touches make your dish look gourmet. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type based on your taste. Try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Each will change the texture but keep the same great flavor. If fresh shrimp is hard to find, don’t worry! Canned or frozen shrimp work just fine. Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. Canned shrimp may need less cooking time since they are often pre-cooked. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. This simple swap keeps the dish tasty while catering to dietary needs. If you want to lower calories or fat, cut back on olive oil. You can also use less cheese or skip it altogether. Adding more veggies can also help boost nutrition. Want to change the flavor? Adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish. They add color and nutrients, making the meal more exciting. You can also infuse different flavors. Try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a unique twist to the dish. Each of these options enhances the taste and makes the recipe your own. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To store Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents spills. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, don’t add the parsley and cheese until you reheat it. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, but the texture may change. To freeze, put it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will last in the freezer for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the best method is using the stove. Heat a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. This helps avoid overcooking the shrimp. You want it warm, not rubbery. Enjoy your dish with fresh parsley and cheese for the best taste. The best pasta for this dish is spaghetti. It has a nice texture that holds sauce well. Other good choices include linguine or fettuccine. These types of pasta will also soak up the lemon and garlic flavors. Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then mix them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat the shrimp and pasta in a pan with a little olive oil and lemon juice. This will keep the taste fresh. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a different flavor, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper. These options will give your dish a delicious kick without changing the base recipe. Enjoy customizing your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta for your spice level! In this article, we explored how to create a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We discussed the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. Remember, the key to great pasta is perfect timing and seasoning. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors or adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this vibrant meal, and savor the fresh, zesty flavors that make it a favorite!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/516d7fb3-badf-4030-b6a6-c3b6e5aad3ef-150x150.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfect for a weeknight dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this mouthwatering recipe that serves four. Ready to impress your family or guests?