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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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A fast and flavorful lemon garlic shrimp pasta ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and impromptu dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts or 3.8 liters of water with 1 tablespoon salt). Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-9 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. When the butter is melted and foaming slightly, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat pasta with the garlic-lemon butter sauce. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently but thoroughly.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together just to warm the shrimp through and blend flavors, about 1 minute.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and give it one last toss.
  8. Serve immediately with optional grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Add lemon juice near the end to avoid bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, 15 minute meal

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