Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with al dente pasta, tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
2. Plate: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a light and refreshing dish that brings together the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with the sweetness of shrimp. This easy-to-make pasta is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this delightful recipe!