Print

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Print Recipe

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright, flavorful, and quick dish combining tender shrimp, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this light and healthy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners with minimal effort. The fresh ingredients and vibrant sauce create an irresistible combination of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 12 oz peeled, deveined shrimp
  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook the shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic lemon sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, then add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  4. Combine pasta and shrimp: Return cooked shrimp to skillet with lemon garlic sauce. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat noodles evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired.
  5. Finish with parsley and serve: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Give a final toss and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; shrimp cooks quickly.
  • Reserve pasta water to bind sauce and give it a silky texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for true brightness and flavor.
  • Toast garlic gently over medium heat to prevent burning.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to customize spiciness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
  • Optional add-ins include spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, Parmesan, or alternative proteins like scallops, chicken, or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, seafood pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, healthy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta/