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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil For this dish, I use fresh large shrimp. They add a sweet flavor and a nice texture. Spaghetti or linguine are my favorite pasta choices. They hold the sauce well. The garlic brings a bold taste that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Unsalted butter and olive oil create a rich base for cooking. - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjustable for spice preference) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. I love the zing it adds. Red pepper flakes give just the right amount of heat. You can adjust it to your taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy finish. - Servings: 4 - Essential kitchen tools: large pot, skillet, mixing bowl, and a colander This recipe serves four people. It's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. You need a large pot for boiling the pasta and a skillet for cooking shrimp. A mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients nicely. A colander is handy for draining the pasta. This simple setup makes cooking easy and fun! For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it just right—al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and will help your sauce later. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. In a big skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for around 30 seconds until it smells great. Be careful not to let the garlic brown. Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the juice of 1 lemon and sprinkle the lemon zest over the mixture. Stir everything well to coat the shrimp. If the sauce looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will make the sauce silky and smooth. Now, gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss it well so every strand gets coated in that tasty sauce. Enjoy the bright lemon flavor mixed with the shrimp! To get the right al dente texture, cook your pasta just until it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to check the package for specific times. To avoid sticky pasta, make sure to stir it while it cooks. Use plenty of water and salt. This helps keep the pasta separate and adds flavor. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more! For a creamier taste, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Mix it in for a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs well with the lemon and shrimp. Garnishing adds a nice touch. Try placing a lemon wedge on each plate. This gives a fresh look and extra zing. You can also sprinkle more parsley on top for color. Serve with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta type to fit your taste. Try penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat. Each option brings its unique texture. If you want a gluten-free meal, consider using brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These choices add flavor and keep the dish light. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you have options. You can use chicken breast, scallops, or even tofu. Each of these proteins can soak up the lemon and garlic flavors well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked perfectly. For those needing gluten-free options, many pasta brands offer delicious choices. Look for gluten-free spaghetti or linguine made from rice or lentils. These options cook similarly and still taste great. Dairy-free variations are simple too. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version instead. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying. Want to add more veggies? You can toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color to your plate. Cook them in the skillet for a few minutes before adding shrimp for a tasty mix. Herbs and spices can change the whole dish. Add fresh basil or oregano for an Italian twist. A pinch of thyme or a splash of white wine can enhance the flavor too. Be creative and make this dish your own! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions and cooking tips. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. Seal the container tightly. This helps keep it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose flavor and texture. For reheating, I like to use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, add the pasta and shrimp. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. If you do, cover the dish to keep moisture in. This method works best if you add a bit of water to avoid drying out the pasta. You can freeze cooked pasta, but it changes texture. If you want to freeze it, let it cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will last for about two months. For uncooked shrimp, freeze them in their original packaging. You can also place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remember to use them within three months for the best quality. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. This keeps the shrimp safe and fresh. Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes This quick meal fits perfectly into a busy day. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. - Sauté the garlic and shrimp, then cool it before storing. - Mix everything just before serving for the best taste. I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Here’s why: - Freshness: Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean. - Sourcing: Buy shrimp from local markets or trusted stores. This ensures great flavor and quality in your dish. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Here are some substitutes: - Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. - Check sauces and butter for gluten-free labels. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. In this article, we covered how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and lemon. We shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips to perfect your dish. You also found variations and storage tips for your leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right guidance. Enjoy mastering this recipe, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Whip up a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in just 20 minutes! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and garlic for a light and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta is sure to satisfy. Discover the step-by-step guide and tips for the best presentation. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjustable for spice preference)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a spacious skillet, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant, but be cautious not to allow the garlic to brown or burn, as this will alter the flavor.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, which indicates they are fully cooked.

        Incorporate Lemon Flavor: Once the shrimp are ready, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the shrimp are adequately coated. If the sauce appears too dry, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

          Combine with Pasta: Gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet with the lemon garlic shrimp, tossing to ensure each strand is well coated with the flavorful sauce. Stir until everything is evenly blended.

            Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley, stirring gently to mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Plate the pasta in individual bowls, and if desired, generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess.

              - Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Consider garnishing each plate with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of additional parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!