Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that you can enjoy in just under an hour with 4 servings. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic to create a zesty sauce that pairs wonderfully with tender, al dente pasta.

For this dish, you'll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Lemon juice from half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

To start, peel and devein the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the peeled shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through. Stir frequently during cooking.

Once the shrimp is ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pour in a little more olive oil if necessary, then add the lemon zest and squeeze half of the lemon over the remaining contents. Stir to combine all flavors and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Near the end of cooking time, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but not hard).

When the pasta is nearly done, return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cheese for about 2 minutes so that the cheese melts into the sauce.

To assemble your dish, drain the cooked pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add the hot pasta and a ladleful of reserved pasta water to the skillet with the lemon garlic shrimp mixture. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy but still has a bit of texture. Taste it and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade version of this classic Italian favorite!

This recipe offers a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for both casual dinners at home or impressive meals served to guests. The lemon garlic shrimp pasta is not only satisfying but also visually appealing due to its vibrant color and fresh ingredients.

If you're looking for variations of this dish, consider adding some extra vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or mushrooms. You could even try replacing the pasta with fusilli or farfalle for a different texture. Alternatively, if you prefer something lighter, serve the shrimp on top of a bed of arugula instead of pasta.

For those who want to experiment further, you can also prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it up until one day before serving. To reheat, simply microwave portions or lightly sauté them again with a small amount of olive oil if necessary. This will help maintain the integrity of the flavors while keeping things simple.

The key to success when making lemon garlic shrimp pasta is ensuring that all components come together harmoniously. Fresh ingredients are essential; make sure your vegetables and seafood are at their peak quality whenever possible. Properly handling each ingredient ensures a delightful eating experience every time you prepare this meal.

Remember, cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this quick yet flavorful recipe for lemon garlic shrimp pasta, even busy individuals can whip up an exquisite dish right from home. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread, and you've got yourself a complete and delicious meal. Bon Appétit!