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To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, gather these simple ingredients. They bring fresh flavors to your plate. - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The shrimp adds protein while the garlic brings warmth and depth. Lemon zest and juice add a bright taste, balancing the dish. Cherry tomatoes offer a juicy burst, and parsley adds color and freshness. Using high-quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more; if not, use less. This recipe is flexible. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Check the Full Recipe for more details on preparation. How do you boil spaghetti or linguine perfectly? Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in your spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. How do you reserve pasta water for sauce? Before draining the pasta, take out 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water helps thicken your sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. What are the heat and preparation tips for the skillet? Use a large skillet for this step. Pour in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This means it’s ready for cooking. How do you cook shrimp without burning garlic? Once the oil is hot, add 5 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely! You want the garlic to turn golden, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter. How do you add pasta to the shrimp mixture? After the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to combine. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together gently. How do you achieve the right sauce consistency? Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet. This helps to create a light sauce. You want just enough sauce to coat the pasta without making it watery. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and mix well. For a full recipe, check the instructions above. Enjoy your meal! To know when your shrimp are cooked, look for three signs: they turn bright pink, they curl slightly, and they become opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If you want to add heat, you can adjust the spice level by using red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. If you like more heat, add a bit more. Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm, not mushy. To achieve this, boil your spaghetti or linguine in salted water. Check the package for cooking times, and taste a piece a minute before the time is up. Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce. Lemon plays a key role in balancing flavor. Its bright acidity lifts the dish and adds freshness. Use both the zest and juice for the best results. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add another layer of taste. They brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor, making it even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the protein, chicken works well. Simply cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the same way as shrimp. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it until golden. This gives you a nice texture and flavor. Pair your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly. Garlic bread is another tasty side option. The warm, buttery bread soaks up any leftover sauce. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors. It balances the lemon's brightness well. Adding seasonal vegetables makes this dish shine. In summer, try zucchini or asparagus. Simply slice them and cook alongside the shrimp. In winter, consider spinach or roasted bell peppers for warmth and color. These veggies add texture and flavor, making the meal even more delightful. This recipe is versatile, adapting to any season with ease. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions above. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Let the pasta cool to room temperature. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. Using glass or plastic containers with tight lids works best. This keeps air out and prevents sogginess. When reheating, I want to keep shrimp tender. Here’s how: - Use a skillet over low heat to gently warm it. - Add a splash of olive oil or broth to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave; it can make shrimp rubbery. Stir often to warm evenly without overcooking. Can you freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta? Yes, you can! Here’s how: - Cool the pasta completely before freezing. - Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid to revive the sauce. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious! For the full recipe, refer to the section above. How do you know when shrimp are cooked? You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn bright pink. The flesh should also become opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them cook evenly and stay tender. How to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta gluten-free To make this dish gluten-free, simply switch the pasta. Use gluten-free spaghetti or linguine. Check the label to ensure it fits your diet. The flavors will remain just as vibrant! Dairy-free alternatives for the recipe If you want a dairy-free dish, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Fresh herbs will add a nice touch too. Can I prep ingredients ahead of time? Absolutely! You can chop garlic, zest lemons, and prepare shrimp in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This makes your cooking process faster. Shortcuts for busy weeknights when making the dish Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. You can find them in most grocery stores. This way, you just need to heat them with the other ingredients. Dinner will be ready in no time! For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta 🦐. This blog post presented a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe. We covered essential ingredients and step-by-step cooking techniques. Tips for perfecting shrimp and pasta ensure a successful meal. You learned about flavor variations and smart storage options. In conclusion, enjoy the balance of flavors and textures. Feel free to adapt the recipe as needed. Cooking should be fun and easy, so get creative and make this dish your own. Keep exploring new tastes, and enjoy your cooking journey!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, your new go-to weeknight meal! Featuring succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this dish is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. In just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that impresses and satisfies. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s adaptable and can be customized to your taste.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for your spice preference)

Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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 the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a sizable skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the Shrimp and Lemon: Increase the heat slightly, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine all the flavors.

        Combine with Pasta: To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the drained pasta. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water gradually, to reach your desired sauce consistency. You want a light coating of sauce without it being too watery.

          Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve: Plate the delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, garnishing with extra parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | Serves 4