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To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a role in creating bright flavors. The shrimp adds protein, while the lemon brings freshness. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma, and red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness, making the dish even more appealing. By using fresh parsley, you can enhance the look and taste. Parmesan cheese can be a tasty finish, but it’s optional. Gather these ingredients for a quick and tasty meal. For the full recipe, check the section above. To start, you need to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Make sure not to let it brown. Burned garlic can ruin the dish's flavor. Now it’s time for the shrimp. Add 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch them closely. They will turn pink and opaque when they’re ready. After the shrimp is cooked, it’s time to mix in some zesty flavors. Add the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of 2 lemons to the skillet. Toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes as well. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will help the flavors blend nicely. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. If the dish looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water slowly. This will help you get the perfect consistency. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check the section above. To get tender shrimp, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear well. Cook shrimp on medium heat. Avoid overcooking them. When they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright taste. Fresh garlic adds real depth to the dish. I love using colorful cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color. Fresh parsley brings a nice herbal note. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. This way, you can make the dish your own. For this recipe, you need a large pot for boiling pasta. A big skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking the shrimp. A good wooden spoon helps with mixing. Use a zester for the lemon zest. If you have it, a microplane works wonders for garlic and zest. Don’t forget a measuring cup for reserved pasta water. These tools will help you create a great dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta to fit your taste. Instead of spaghetti or linguine, try penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type gives a different bite and feel. For a gluten-free option, use brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These options keep the dish tasty and fun. Adding veggies boosts the meal's nutrition. You can toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. For a crunchy texture, try snap peas or broccoli. Just add them with the shrimp, so they cook well. This way, you add color and health benefits to your dish. If you want to swap shrimp, chicken or scallops work well. For a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or firm tofu. Cook these as you would the shrimp, and season them with lemon and garlic. Each option gives a new flavor and keeps the dish exciting. Try out these variations to make your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta your own! For the complete recipe, see the Full Recipe section above. After enjoying your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for one minute. Stir and check the heat before serving. If you freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze without the shrimp if possible. Cooked shrimp can get rubbery when frozen. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. To change the heat level, add more or less red pepper flakes. Start small. You can always add more. If you prefer no spice, skip the flakes entirely. A light white wine works best. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the lemon and shrimp flavors nicely. This dish can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently to keep the shrimp tender. Yes! You can replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use the same spices and lemon for great flavor. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! - Prep Time: 10 mins - Cook Time: 15 mins - Total Time: 25 mins - Servings: 4 This dish is easy and fun to make! You will love the bright flavors. The zesty lemon and garlic work well with shrimp. You can have dinner ready in just 25 minutes! To start, gather your ingredients: shrimp, pasta, and lemon. Fresh lemon is key. It gives the best flavor. You cook the pasta first. Use salted water to boil the spaghetti or linguine. Follow the package instructions. Make sure to save some pasta water before draining. This water helps later. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and let it cook for a minute. The smell is amazing! Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Add them to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes. After that, mix in the lemon zest and juice. Add halved cherry tomatoes too. Stir everything and let it cook for a short time. This allows all the flavors to blend. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together. If it's too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help make it creamy. Once done, stir in fresh parsley. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. You can serve it hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta! For the full recipe, check above. This blog outlined a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. The variations allow you to customize the dish to your taste. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers later. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. Enjoy sharing your tasty creation with friends and family!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Craving a quick and tasty meal? Try this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s packed with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes! With fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and savory garlic, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can customize it to your liking. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family or guests with this delicious pasta dish that’s simple yet sophisticated!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Mix in Flavors: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the shrimp and sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

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