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For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need a few key ingredients. Here's a quick list: - 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 - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients blend to create a bright and tasty dish. Each one has a role that adds flavor and texture. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh shrimp brings a sweet flavor, while fresh garlic adds strong aroma. The lemon zest brightens up the dish. Pantry ingredients, like pasta and olive oil, are staples. They help create a satisfying meal without extra trips to the store. Always check your pantry first. Stocking up on red pepper flakes and salt ensures you can easily whip up this dish. If you have dietary needs, you can swap ingredients. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. You can also try zucchini noodles for a low-carb choice. Vegetarians can skip the shrimp. Replace it with mushrooms or firm tofu. These options still give you a nice texture and flavor. Always adjust seasonings to fit your taste. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water for flavor. This step is key! Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Al dente means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This water is starchy and will help the sauce later. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once they melt, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. Turn them often until they turn pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir this mixture well. If it looks a bit dry, pour in a little of that reserved pasta water. This will create a light and tasty sauce. Once mixed, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the lemon garlic sauce. Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic brings a strong taste. Use ripe lemons for the best juice and zest. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme for extra layers of flavor. A pinch of salt boosts the dish without overpowering it. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Remember, balance is key. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They should be pink and firm, not rubbery. Another mistake is forgetting to reserve pasta water. This water helps create a rich sauce. Avoid using too much lemon juice; it can overpower the other flavors. Lastly, under-seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always taste and adjust. Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot for boiling pasta is essential. A heavy skillet helps cook shrimp evenly. Use a microplane for zesting lemons quickly. Tongs are great for tossing the pasta and shrimp together. Don't forget a good knife for chopping garlic and parsley. These tools can make your cooking more fun and efficient. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish by adding vegetables. Fresh veggies add color and nutrition. Think about spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This step makes the meal more vibrant and tasty. You can change the sauce to fit your taste. Try a spicy marinara or a creamy Alfredo. For a lemon twist, consider adding a splash of white wine. Each sauce offers a new flavor. This keeps your meals exciting and fresh. For gluten-free pasta, use rice noodles or chickpea pasta. These options taste great with the shrimp. If you want low-carb, try zucchini noodles. They soak up the sauce well and stay light. Both choices make the dish suitable for different diets. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta section above. You can store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This method protects the flavors and prevents spoilage. Make sure it cools down first before sealing it. It can last for up to three days in the fridge. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of water or lemon juice. This keeps the pasta moist and flavorful. Heat it in a skillet over medium heat for the best taste. Stir frequently to heat it evenly. If you prefer, you can use the microwave. Just cover it to trap steam and heat in short bursts. Enjoy your meal as if it’s fresh from the pan! You can make this dish spicier by adding more red pepper flakes. Start with 1/2 teaspoon. If you want more heat, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon. You can also mix in fresh chopped chili peppers. Toss in jalapeños or serranos for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice according to your taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Drain them well before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Frozen shrimp can save time and still taste great in this dish. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta lasts for about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently. Use a microwave or a skillet with a splash of water. This helps keep the pasta moist and tasty. In this blog post, we explored the world of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients, comparing fresh and pantry options, and suggested alternatives for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation and cooking. You learned tips to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. With these insights, you can whip up a delicious meal every time. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe in your kitchen!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful dish bursting with fresh lemon zest, succulent shrimp, and garlic. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is full of vibrant tastes that will impress your family and friends. Ready to savor something special? Click through to explore this easy and mouthwatering recipe today!
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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)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

        Mix in Lemon: Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

          Combine with Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp, mixing thoroughly until the pasta is coated in the lemon garlic sauce.

            Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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