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To make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Fresh ingredients make a big difference in this dish. Fresh shrimp give a sweet taste and firm texture. Fresh garlic adds a strong and lively flavor. Using a ripe lemon enhances the dish with brightness. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and a fresh taste. When you use top-quality ingredients, your meal shines. You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you can't find large shrimp, use medium ones instead. You can also use frozen shrimp, but thaw them first. If you don’t like red pepper flakes, use black pepper for a milder heat. No spaghetti or linguine? Use penne or fettuccine instead. For a lighter dish, you can replace olive oil with vegetable broth. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the entire section. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the instructions on the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, save half a cup of the water. This water helps bind the sauce later. After saving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells good. Then, toss in 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to taste. After the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to mix everything. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together well. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Right before serving, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Plate the pasta with shrimp and top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or good-quality frozen shrimp. The key is to use medium heat. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Toss them in the pan and watch closely. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they become tough. For perfect garlic, use fresh cloves. Mince them finely to release their flavor. Start cooking garlic in oil over medium heat. Watch it closely; it can burn fast. Sauté for only about a minute until fragrant. The smell of garlic will fill your kitchen and make your dish shine. Add zest from a lemon for a kick. It brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives heat. You can also use a splash of white wine for depth. These small changes can turn a good dish into a great one. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your garlic lemon shrimp pasta for more flavor and color. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach work well. Just steam or sauté them first. Add the veggies to the shrimp during cooking. This makes the dish healthier and more filling. Plus, the bright colors make it look great! If shrimp is not your favorite, you can try other proteins. Chicken breast works as a great substitute. Cook it the same way as the shrimp. You could also use scallops or cook some firm tofu for a veggie option. Each protein offers a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. Not a fan of spaghetti or linguine? No worries! You can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles are good choices. The key is to cook the pasta until it's just right. Then, mix it with the shrimp and sauce for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta, store it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned before. This way, you can enjoy this dish later without losing its taste. For the full experience, follow the Full Recipe details. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat them dry. This way, they cook evenly and stay juicy in the dish. I recommend spaghetti or linguine for this recipe. Both types hold the sauce well. You can also try fettuccine if you prefer a wider noodle. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with one extra teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also add fresh sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you like it extra spicy, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. For the full recipe, refer back to the main instructions. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post covered key steps to make a tasty garlic lemon shrimp pasta. You learned about fresh ingredients, cooking techniques, and handy tips. Remember, using great ingredients and proper methods leads to a better meal. Feel free to get creative with variations and substitutions. Enjoy storing and reheating your leftovers, too. Cooking can be fun and easy when you know what to do. Dive in and try this recipe soon!

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta that will elevate your dinner game! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and garlic for a mouthwatering meal that's ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well mixed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through, allowing the flavors to meld.

          Garnish and Serve: Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Plate the pasta and shrimp, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4