Zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with succulent shrimp and al dente pasta for a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to create a mouthwatering lemon garlic shrimp pasta that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
1. Ingredients:
For the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
2. Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
4. Making the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the shrimp, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the lemon garlic sauce.
5. Combining the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic shrimp, along with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
6. Serving Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
- Divide the lemon garlic shrimp pasta among plates or bowls.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.
Zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a dish that’s sure to impress with its bright flavors and succulent shrimp. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this flavorful pasta dish is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite with this delicious lemon garlic shrimp pasta.
