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- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) - Salt - Freshly ground black pepper - Pasta cooking water The key to making Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is in the ingredients. First, choose fresh shrimp. They should be large, peeled, and deveined. This step saves time and ensures a nice bite. Next, for the pasta, I like using linguine or spaghetti. Both work well, so pick what you enjoy. Garlic is essential in this dish. I use four cloves, finely minced, to give a strong flavor. The lemon provides a zesty kick. You need both the zest and juice from one lemon. This will brighten the whole meal. Olive oil is your friend here. Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. They are optional but add a nice touch. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and flavor. Lastly, you can sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese if you want a richer taste. For cooking, have salt and freshly ground black pepper on hand. You also need to save some pasta cooking water. This helps create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. First, fill a large pot with water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. Carefully add your linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir continuously until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can make the flavor bitter. Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Then flip them over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Once your shrimp are cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over everything. Gently toss the mixture together. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot on plates. For an extra layer of flavor, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. For an elegant touch, use wide, shallow bowls and add some extra lemon zest on top. To boost the taste of your Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, consider using red pepper flakes. These add a nice kick. Start with a pinch, then adjust to your liking. If you want more heat, add a bit more. For lemon freshness, always use a fresh lemon. Roll the lemon on the counter before cutting it. This helps release more juice. Zest the lemon before juicing it. The zest adds a strong lemon flavor without extra juice. To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them just right. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 4 to 6 minutes total. To tell if shrimp are cooked, look for their color change. Raw shrimp are gray. When they turn pink, they are done. You can also check by cutting one in half. It should be opaque inside. Use decorative bowls for an elegant touch. Wide, shallow bowls show off the pasta and shrimp nicely. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. You can also add extra lemon zest for a pop of brightness. A light drizzle of olive oil adds a nice finish. These small details make your dish look gourmet. {{image_4}} You can switch out shrimp for chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces. Cook them in the same way as shrimp. This gives you a tasty twist. If you want a plant-based option, try vegan shrimp. Many brands offer good substitutes. They mimic shrimp well and soak up flavors. You can enjoy a similar taste without meat. For a healthier choice, use whole grain pasta. Whole grain linguine or spaghetti adds fiber. It also adds a nutty flavor. This change makes the dish more filling. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many varieties are available now. Look for those made from rice or quinoa. They work great in this recipe and taste delicious. You can add vegetables for extra nutrition. Spinach is a great option. It wilts quickly and adds color. Asparagus also works well. Just cut it into small pieces and add it with shrimp. Experiment with herbs to change the flavor. Basil adds a fresh taste. Thyme brings a warm note. Both herbs enhance the dish and make it more exciting. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. The shrimp pasta lasts in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to eat it within this time frame for the best taste. You can freeze this shrimp pasta, but it's best to do so without the garnish. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back the sauce's creaminess. Stir gently until it is hot. This keeps the shrimp tender and pasta from getting mushy. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they change color. They should be pink and opaque. Cooking usually takes about 4-6 minutes. If you see them curl and form a "C," they are done. Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery, so watch the time closely. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. This way, you save time and enjoy a quick meal. Many side dishes go well with this pasta. Consider a fresh green salad for a crisp taste. Garlic bread also pairs nicely, adding that extra crunch. You could serve roasted veggies for a healthy touch. Absolutely! Just swap out regular pasta for gluten-free options. Look for gluten-free linguine or spaghetti in stores. Check the label to ensure they are safe for your diet. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful meal! In this post, I detailed how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a perfect dish. Remember to adjust flavors and experiment with alternatives. You can make this recipe your own by adding different proteins or veggies. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for any meal. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers too. Try it out and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Savor the flavors of summer with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a refreshing hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your culinary game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. Carefully add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help create the sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.

      Sauté the Garlic:

        Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. After allowing the oil to warm up, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, just until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to let it brown as this can turn the flavor bitter.

          Cook the Shrimp:

            Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are completely pink and opaque. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

              Combine and Create Sauce:

                Once the shrimp are cooked through, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the shrimp and pasta. Gently toss everything together, leveraging the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. This will enhance the flavor and help to coat the pasta beautifully.

                  Garnish and Serve:

                    Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of freshness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot on plates, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with additional lemon zest and a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.