Name: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Quick
Ingredients: Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): These long, thin pastas are perfect for soaking up the light sauce. They twirl beautifully on your fork!; Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and add a sweet, tender bite.; Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.; Olive Oil (¼ cup): Creates a smooth base for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity note.; Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a bit of heat.; Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Provides a bright, tangy flavor that lifts the whole dish.; Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Intensifies the lemony flavor with a fragrant, citrusy punch.; Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby finish and a pop of green color.; Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.; Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a creamy, nutty touch if you want extra richness.; Pasta: Use fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.; Shrimp: Swap with scallops, cooked chicken, or tofu for a different protein. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms.; Oil: Avocado oil or butter can replace olive oil for a slightly different flavor.; Herbs: Basil or dill can substitute for parsley for a unique twist.; Cheese: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for vegan) can replace Parmesan.; Spice: Skip red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.

Description

Ever wondered how to whip up a fancy-looking dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant but takes just 20 minutes? Say hello to Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! This dish is a burst of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and juicy shrimp, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): These long, thin pastas are perfect for soaking up the light sauce. They twirl beautifully on your fork!
Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and add a sweet, tender bite.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Olive Oil (¼ cup): Creates a smooth base for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity note.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a bit of heat.
Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Provides a bright, tangy flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Intensifies the lemony flavor with a fragrant, citrusy punch.
Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby finish and a pop of green color.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a creamy, nutty touch if you want extra richness.

Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Use fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Shrimp: Swap with scallops, cooked chicken, or tofu for a different protein. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms.
Oil: Avocado oil or butter can replace olive oil for a slightly different flavor.
Herbs: Basil or dill can substitute for parsley for a unique twist.
Cheese: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for vegan) can replace Parmesan.
Spice: Skip red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
- Tip: Save the pasta water—it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Sauté the Garlic:
- While the pasta cooks, heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
- Tip: Stir constantly and lower the heat if the garlic starts to brown too quickly.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- If using, sprinkle in ½ tsp of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink and slightly curled.
Add Lemon Flavor:
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and add the zest of 1 lemon. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a splash (2–4 tablespoons) of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Tip: Use tongs to toss the pasta for even coating without breaking the strands.
Add Finishing Touches:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Tip: Mix gently to keep the parsley vibrant and evenly distributed.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, dividing the pasta among plates or bowls.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) for a creamy finish.
- Tip: Add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest if desired.