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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delight


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

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