Quick and Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and garlic that can make even the most mundane dinner feel like a five-star dining experience. Picture perfectly cooked shrimp glistening in a luxurious sauce, twirling around al dente pasta—an aromatic blend that gets your taste buds dancing! With the first bite, the zesty zing of lemon hits your palate while the garlic wraps around every strand of spaghetti like an enthusiastic hug.

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to happen. I remember cooking this dish for my family one rainy evening when we were stuck indoors. The moment I plated it up, my kids’ eyes lit up as if I unveiled a treasure chest! Not only did they devour it within minutes, but they also claimed it was “the best dinner ever!” You’ll want to save this recipe for cozy nights or entertaining friends—you won’t regret it!

I once made this dish during a family gathering where everyone decided to bring their favorite food—my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta stole the show.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp; make sure they are deveined and peeled for convenience.
• Spaghetti: Any long pasta works, but spaghetti clings beautifully to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the best flavor; avoid powdered versions if you can.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed gives an unmatched brightness; bottled juice simply won’t cut it.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth in flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh cheese right before serving for a touch of creaminess.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; you can also use basil if preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on your preference.

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

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it warm up before tossing in the shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.

Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic with the shrimp and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—taking care not to burn it because burnt garlic is sad garlic.

Add Lemon Juice: Pour fresh lemon juice over the shrimp mixture while stirring gently. Let everything simmer together for another minute so those flavors marry.

Toss with Pasta: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it straight into the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until well coated—this should be your favorite step!

Serve It Up: Plate your beautiful lemon garlic shrimp pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top! Enjoy immediately while it’s still warm!

Now you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a delightful dish that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful journey that brings sunshine onto your plate!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To master this dish, start by cooking the pasta first, then sauté the shrimp and prepare the sauce simultaneously. This order ensures everything is perfectly timed and hot when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. You can also swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu if desired, keeping it versatile and fun.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of olive oil to restore moisture.

Cooking this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta reminds me of dinner parties where everyone raves about the dish, and I bask in their compliments while secretly feeling like a culinary genius.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Adding a drizzle of olive oil after draining helps keep pasta separate.

What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.

Print

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, all tossed in al dente spaghetti for a delightful weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

• Shrimp (deveined and peeled)
• Spaghetti
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour fresh lemon juice over the shrimp mixture, stirring gently to combine, and simmer for 1 minute.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, coating it well with the shrimp and sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. - Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein option. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil.