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Stunning Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: 1 Trick

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Create a bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta quickly. This recipe focuses on timing so you cook the shrimp perfectly, keeping it tender and juicy while building a bright, zesty sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant; do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove the shrimp immediately from the skillet and set aside. Overcooking happens fast!
  5. Pour the white wine or broth into the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the lemon juice and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to create a light sauce.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too dry, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
  8. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently for just 30 seconds to reheat the shrimp.
  9. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve right away.

Notes

  • Shrimp cooks very quickly. You must remove it from the heat before the sauce is finished to prevent it from becoming tough.
  • Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in the brightness of this dish.
  • For extra richness, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of butter right before serving.

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