Here’s a simple and delicious Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe that’s sure to impress! This dish combines tender shrimp, a light and zesty lemon-garlic sauce, and pasta for a perfect meal. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic lemon sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and stir.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
- Combine the pasta and shrimp: Lower the heat, and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon-garlic sauce. Toss to combine. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the butter and let it melt into the sauce. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
