Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Lemon Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate combination of zesty, citrus flavors paired with tender shrimp and al dente pasta, resulting in a light yet flavorful dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more formal occasion, this dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and bursting with refreshing flavors. The acidity of the lemon complements the sweetness of the shrimp, while garlic and Parmesan bring depth and richness to every bite. This recipe is also customizable, allowing you to make it as rich or as light as you prefer, making it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp

1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not prepped, start by peeling and deveining them. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for ease of eating. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes if using. This step ensures the shrimp are flavorful and perfectly seasoned when cooked.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water is important as it infuses the pasta with flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the linguine or spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 9-11 minutes, but check the package for exact cooking times.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you finish preparing the shrimp and sauce.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.
4. Remove the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked through, transfer them to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add extra flavor to the sauce.
2. Add the Lemon Zest and Butter: Stir in the lemon zest and ½ cup of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and combine with the other ingredients to form a smooth sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken. If you want a creamier texture, add a touch of heavy cream or more butter at this stage. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Add Parmesan (Optional): Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the shrimp and lemon. This step is optional but adds a delicious creaminess to the sauce.

Step 5: Combining the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Return the Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 6: Serving the Lemon Shrimp Pasta

1. Plate the Dish: Use tongs to twirl the pasta into serving bowls or plates. Make sure to divide the shrimp evenly among the servings.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle each plate with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like a bit more citrus kick. Grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper can also be added as final touches.
3. Serve Immediately: Lemon Shrimp Pasta is best served fresh and hot, right after it’s been cooked. The sauce will be at its peak flavor, and the shrimp will be tender and juicy.

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

1. Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta:

For a creamier version of this dish, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after the lemon juice and broth. Simmer the cream until it thickens slightly before adding the pasta and shrimp.

2. Spicy Lemon Shrimp Pasta:

If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning. You can also drizzle a bit of chili oil over the finished dish.

3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Vegetables:

Add your favorite vegetables to the dish to make it even more hearty and nutritious. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus would work well. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet after the shrimp, and then proceed with making the sauce.

4. Gluten-Free Version:

For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp preparation remain the same.

5. Whole Wheat or Alternative Pastas:

For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or other alternative pastas. These options provide more fiber and nutrients.

Tips for the Best Lemon Shrimp Pasta

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in this dish. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the same brightness and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to bring the sauce and pasta together, giving it the perfect texture.
• Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning of the sauce as you cook. Taste as you go to ensure it’s balanced.

Conclusion

Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. With tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for special occasions. The combination of pasta, shrimp, and lemon creates a delightful medley of flavors that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Enjoy the tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of this Lemon Shrimp Pasta, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients!

Yield: 4

Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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Lemon Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate combination of zesty, citrus flavors paired with tender shrimp and al dente pasta, resulting in a light yet flavorful dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more formal occasion, this dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and bursting with refreshing flavors. The acidity of the lemon complements the sweetness of the shrimp, while garlic and Parmesan bring depth and richness to every bite. This recipe is also customizable, allowing you to make it as rich or as light as you prefer, making it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sear the Shrimp:

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet.
• Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or white wine). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:

• Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
• Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the shrimp is evenly distributed.

5. Serve:

• Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Notes

• Shrimp Cooking Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough. Cook until just opaque and pink.
• Wine Option: If you prefer more depth in the sauce, substitute chicken broth with dry white wine.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.