Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Description: This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that will have you craving more at the first bite! Perfect for a weeknight meal or an impromptu dinner party, this pasta combines tender shrimp with bright lemon and aromatic garlic to create a zesty sauce.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta. While waiting for the water to boil, peel and devein your shrimp. Set aside.

Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside in a separate bowl.

Once the water is boiling, add the linguine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the drained shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes).

Pour the lemon juice into the pan with the shrimp, stirring continuously to combine all ingredients well. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce slightly.

Once everything is combined properly in the skillet, add the drained cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss until the pasta coats evenly with the lemon and garlic mixture. Adjust seasoning by adding salt as necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving immediately.

Tips for Success

1. Choose large shrimp; smaller ones may not hold up well during cooking.
2. To ensure even cooking, keep an eye on the garlic to make sure it doesn’t burn while sautéing. If necessary, remove from heat briefly if you notice any sign of burning.
3. For extra flavor, squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The nutritional information for this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is approximately as follows:

• Total Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Sodium: 250mg

Cultural Context and Variations

This dish is influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian influences. Similar dishes are common in countries like Italy where fresh seafood and vegetables complement pasta beautifully. In terms of variations, you could add some capers or green olives to enhance the flavors further.

For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with cooked white beans or any other type of beans your family enjoys. The same sauce would work wonderfully over these alternative main ingredients too!

To make this dish even more appealing visually, consider serving it on a bed of fresh arugula instead of just plain pasta. This adds texture as well as an additional burst of freshness from the peppery leaves.

Why Try This Recipe?

This easy lemon garlic shrimp pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s packed with healthy nutrients, particularly thanks to its high protein content provided by the seafood and leguminous options like beans in vegetarian versions. The lemon adds a refreshing tang which pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Preparation time is relatively short; thus, it's ideal for those nights when you're too tired or simply lack time to prepare something more elaborate yet still want a satisfying meal. Furthermore, leftovers can be enjoyed cold as part of your next day lunchbox or used in other recipes such as wraps or salads.

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p>Given its simplicity and excellent taste profile, this dish has quickly become one of the favorite go-to meals among busy professionals who seek balance between convenience and nutrition without compromising on taste.