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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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A fast and flavorful lemon garlic shrimp pasta ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a light, citrusy sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • Salt for pasta water seasoning
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound of raw shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter melts and creates a light sauce coating the shrimp.
  6. Drain pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs or a pasta fork to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Finish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  8. Serve immediately while shrimp are tender and pasta is perfectly coated.

Notes

Use fresh garlic to avoid bitterness and watch it closely to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to get a nice sear. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp pasta, 15-minute meal, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta, lemon pasta, garlic shrimp

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/quick-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-15-minute-easy-dinner-idea/