Zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta

The moment you take a bite of Zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta, your taste buds will dance like nobody’s watching. Picture sweet, succulent shrimp mingling with al dente pasta, all tossed in a bright lemony sauce that brings sunshine to your dinner table. Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta Aromas of garlic and fresh herbs waft through the kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal that’s quick to prepare but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Rich and creamy Tuscan chicken. For more inspiration, check out this easy lemon crinkle cookies recipe.

I can still hear my friend Lisa’s enthusiastic “Wow!” the first time I made this dish for her. We had just survived another long week of work, and I wanted to treat us both to something special yet easy. This zesty delight quickly became our go-to comfort food for those much-needed catch-up evenings.

One memorable night, I made this dish for a small gathering; it was the star of the show!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp; they cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works best; choose your favorite type for texture.
• Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves for a punchy aroma that elevates the entire dish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; avoid bottled juice if possible.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté the shrimp perfectly.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil brings freshness; chop them finely for an aromatic finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter; having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant before adding shrimp.

Add Flavorful Components: Once shrimp turns pink, pour in lemon juice and toss everything together. Let it simmer briefly to meld flavors into a tangy delight.

Toss with Pasta: Add cooked pasta into the shrimp mixture along with chopped fresh herbs. Spring orzo with fresh vegetables Toss gently until everything is coated in that zesty sauce.

Serve Hot!: Plate your Zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta while hot; garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges for flair before serving. Baked shrimp scampi pasta.

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience bursting with flavor at every turn! Enjoy creating this delightful meal as you savor each delicious bite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente while sautéing shrimp in garlic and olive oil. This ensures everything is perfectly timed and maintains that delicious freshness.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different seafood instead of shrimp—scallops or even crab meat can elevate this dish. You can also add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Cooking this zesty lemon shrimp pasta always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone enjoyed seconds (or thirds!).

FAQ

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti or linguine pairs well with zesty lemon shrimp pasta for optimal flavor absorption.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, usually around 3-4 minutes per side, for perfect tenderness.

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Zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta

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

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Description

Zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant meal. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a bright lemon sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish promises to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by gathering everything on your counter.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add flavors: Pour in lemon juice and toss to combine. Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
5. Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta and herbs to the shrimp mixture; toss gently until well coated.
6. Serve hot: Plate while warm, garnishing with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg