Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To toss with the pasta and prevent sticking.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Frozen or fresh works fine; just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Optional, for a subtle smoky flavor.
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): The star of the sauce!
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: About one large lemon.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): For creamy richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they should be juicy and tender, not rubbery!
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sauce reduce slightly, about 3–5 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the lemon garlic sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Let everything warm through for about 2 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the bright, flavorful goodness!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 28g