Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is like a warm hug on a plate, with its vibrant flavors dancing across your taste buds. Picture perfectly cooked pasta twirling around plump, juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a silky lemon-garlic sauce that wafts heavenly aromas into the air. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel fancy without needing a tuxedo or a Michelin star.

Now, let me take you back to that one dinner party where I bravely decided to whip up this magical recipe. As the fragrant garlic sizzled in the pan, my friends gathered in awe, making bets on whether I would burn down the kitchen or create a culinary masterpiece. Spoiler alert: there were no kitchen fires, just happy bellies and lots of laughter!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. They couldn’t stop raving about it, and it quickly became a household favorite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type, like spaghetti or fettuccine; both hold the sauce beautifully.

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.

• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats that aromatic punch!

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; drizzle generously for richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully over the pasta; no pre-packaged stuff here!

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for a spicy kick; use sparingly if you’re sensitive to heat.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté shrimp until pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t forget to season with salt!

Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes with the shrimp. Stir until fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds.

Create the Sauce: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well; scrape up any brown bits from the skillet for added flavor.

Toss Everything Together: Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together while gradually adding reserved pasta water for creaminess.

Garnish and Serve!: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over your delicious creation before serving hot—your guests will be drooling!

And there you have it! An impressive Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that will have everyone begging for seconds (and possibly thirds). Enjoy every delightful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the shrimp in olive oil until golden, then cook the pasta while prepping the lemon-garlic sauce simultaneously. This multitasking ensures everything is perfectly timed and fresh when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Customize spices according to your palate for unique twists.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.

Cooking this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta reminds me of my first dinner party where I nervously served it. Friends raved about it, and I felt like a culinary genius, albeit with a few wine spills along the way.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Yes, just ensure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking for best results.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti or linguine are excellent choices to complement the shrimp and sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best fresh, you can prepare components separately for quick assembly later on.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe will impress your guests and elevate any weeknight dinner. With its bright flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente in salted water. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté shrimp until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes per side). Season with salt.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet; sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits from the pan for added flavor.
5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
6. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 200mg