Description
This Lemon Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemons over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional or use pasta water)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This ensures that your pasta is flavored well as it cooks. Add your choice of pasta—spaghetti or linguine—and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it will help in creating a creamy texture in the final dish.
- While your pasta is cooking, dry the shrimp with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps them sear nicely in the pan. After drying, lightly season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the shrimp to the pan, cooking for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color and are opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, pour in the lemon juice and zest, along with the optional white wine or reserved pasta water. Allow this mix to simmer for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to meld the flavors and let the sauce reduce slightly, giving it a richer taste. If using red pepper flakes, add them during this step to give the sauce a gentle hint of spice.
- Return the shrimp back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Add the butter, stirring gently to incorporate everything well. The warmth of the pasta and shrimp will help the butter melt smoothly, coating each strand deliciously. If you notice the mixture appears dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- As a finishing touch, turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley to brighten the flavors. Plate your Lemon Pasta, and for an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of additional lemon zest. If desired, elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh lemon slices.
Notes
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; different brands of pasta and shrimp can vary in saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: Varies widely based on added salt and cheese used
- Protein: 25 g