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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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A bright and flavorful shrimp pasta dish ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It features a lemon-garlic butter sauce that coats al dente pasta and seared shrimp for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Turn heat to low and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon. Add about ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed for a silky texture. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a perfect sear. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh lemon juice and good quality olive oil for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Adjust salt gradually and taste as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, lemon butter sauce, garlic shrimp, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/quick-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-for-busy-weeknights/