Go Back
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice The main ingredients make this dish shine. Fettuccine or linguine pasta forms the base. I love how these noodles hold the sauce well. Shrimp adds protein and a sweet, briny flavor. Garlic gives the dish its aromatic kick. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but you can skip them if you want a milder taste. Olive oil and butter create a rich sauce that’s hard to resist. Finally, lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a zesty punch. - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Seasonings enhance the flavor of your dish. Salt and black pepper bring everything together. Broth adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Fresh parsley not only looks good but adds a fresh taste. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a creamy finish that completes your pasta. This careful mix of ingredients makes each bite a flavorful delight. You can find the full recipe in the article for all the details! To start, you need to boil salted water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add your fettuccine or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, or until it's al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. After cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. While your pasta cooks, let’s prepare the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter melts, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Add lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes. Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together gently. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. For a detailed list of ingredients and instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To make your dish shine, balance the acidity with broth. This adds depth. Use chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the flavor. A splash of broth works wonders to create a rich sauce. Always adjust seasoning to taste. Start with salt and pepper. After mixing in the pasta, taste it again. You may need more seasoning. Trust your palate. Sautéing shrimp without overcrowding is essential. If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam instead of sear. Cook them in batches for that perfect golden color. Timing is key for perfect pasta texture. Cook it just until al dente. This means it should feel firm but not hard. Drain it and reserve some pasta water. This water helps bind the dish together later. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided earlier. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Try gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option. It tastes great and works well with the sauce. Whole wheat or egg noodles also add a nice twist. Whole wheat noodles give a nutty flavor, while egg noodles offer a rich taste. Each type brings its own charm to the dish. Adding veggies can make your dish even better. Spinach or cherry tomatoes brighten the plate and add color. Spinach wilts nicely, while cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. You might also enjoy bell peppers or zucchini. Both add texture and crunch. Just sauté them in the pan before adding shrimp. This extra step makes your meal healthier and tastier! You can also switch proteins to suit your taste. Try chicken or scallops if you want a change. Chicken breast can be grilled or sautéed until cooked through. Scallops give a sweet, ocean-like taste that pairs well with lemon. If you're vegetarian, use tofu. Just press it to remove extra water, then cube it. Sauté until golden and crispy. These options let you customize your dish to fit your needs. For the full recipe, check out the link! To store your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. This dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to enjoy it. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and add a splash of water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, use a skillet over low heat. Add a little broth or water to keep the pasta moist. Stir gently until heated through. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and the pasta from becoming dry. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful delight! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this dish. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use cold water. Just put the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp safe and tasty. To make the dish less spicy, simply omit the red pepper flakes. This keeps the lemon and garlic flavors front and center. You can also add a little extra lemon juice for brightness without the heat. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in a pan with a splash of broth or olive oil. This keeps the pasta from drying out and makes it easy to enjoy that zesty flavor. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for more tips! This blog post covered a simple shrimp pasta recipe. We explored the main ingredients like fettuccine, shrimp, and lemon, along with tips for perfect flavor. You learned how to cook pasta and sauté shrimp while balancing the sauce. We also discussed variations, such as using different pasta types or proteins. Remember these tips when storing leftovers. Keep your pasta fresh and delicious! Try new ideas and make this dish your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, a quick and delicious dish perfect for any night. Combining succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and refreshing lemon, this recipe is both easy to prepare and impressive on the table. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal that's ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds with this flavorful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without stirring. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

          Create the Sauce: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

            Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

              Taste and Adjust: Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

                Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4