Simple yet Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a refreshing dish that combines the vibrant flavors of citrus and savory herbs with succulent shrimp in a creamy sauce. This recipe yields a meal rich in flavor, making it perfect for both casual dinners at home or an elegant dinner party. It’s easy to make and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons (about half a lemon)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
• Capers and parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Shell the shrimp and remove the veins if needed, then rinse them well under cold water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the heat immediately as overcooking can make the shrimp tough. Set aside any excess lemon juice if you prefer more sauce.
4. Boil your penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
5. Mix together half of the lemon juice with the cooked shrimp along with capers and chopped parsley for extra flavor. Keep this mixture warm while you finish preparing your pasta.

For a more authentic taste, consider adding a touch of white wine or chicken broth into the garlic-butter sauce to deepen its flavor. You could also mix in some heavy cream just before serving to achieve that rich and creamy consistency. Additionally, topping with grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of taste.

Once your pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, drain it well but leave about one cup of the cooking water aside. This starchy water will help blend the sauce and pasta together beautifully when mixed back into the skillet.

Mix the drained pasta with the lemon-garlic shrimp mixture in the skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes to ensure everything is evenly combined yet warm enough before serving.

Presentation & Serving

Serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot right away. Garnish it with fresh parsley and capers if desired for an extra touch of color and flavor. Serve this dish with garlic bread or a side salad to make it even more satisfying.

Tips for Success

• For the best results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen ones as they have a superior taste.
• The key is not to overcook the pasta; al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture nicely without being mushy.
• If you prefer less acidity from the lemon, reduce the quantity slightly. Conversely, adding more will increase the brightness of your dish's flavor profile significantly.

Cooking Time & Servings

Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time: About 15-20 minutes for the pasta and shrimp to be perfectly done.
Total preparation time including boiling water, etc.: Around 35 minutes.
Servings: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Enjoy this delightful meal that combines simplicity with culinary brilliance! Whether you're a seasoned chef looking for something new or just starting out in the kitchen, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta offers an excellent balance of flavors and ease of preparation.