How to Prepare a Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Looking for a simple yet delicious dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and serves up to 4 people? Look no further! Today’s recipe is all about Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This meal combines the freshness of lemons with the richness of garlic, creating a vibrant and satisfying sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (spaghetti works great)
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 2 lemons, zest and juice reserved
• Extra virgin olive oil (about ¼ cup)
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Fresh black pepper to taste

Cooking Time: About 25 minutes

Number of Servings: 4

Preliminary Preparation

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. While you wait for the water to come to a boil, prepare your shrimp by deveining them. This is an important step that ensures better flavor and texture.

Boiling Pasta

Once the water starts to boil, add about 1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water. Salt helps enhance the pasta's flavor. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it becomes al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.

Cooking Shrimp

In a medium-sized pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it starts to turn golden brown but not burnt. Then, add in your prepared shrimp. Stir-fry them for another two minutes or so until they turn pink.

Once the shrimp is cooked, remove from the heat and set aside along with the drained pasta.

Making the Sauce

In the same pan where you cooked the shrimp, add the juice of one lemon to the remaining oil. Stir gently, then let it cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, add the zest from the second lemon and mix well.

Combining Ingredients

Once your sauce is ready, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and lemon juice in the pan. Toss everything together to coat evenly. It’s important at this stage that you check if the sauce has enough consistency; adding more olive oil might be necessary depending on how much moisture was released from the shrimp.

Once everything is combined, turn off the heat. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is now ready to be served hot! Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side for an extra burst of flavor. It’s also delightful served immediately so that all components can stay warm together.

This dish pairs wonderfully well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For those looking to add some additional nutrients, consider serving it alongside a mixed green salad tossed in vinaigrette for an extra healthy meal.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is not just about the taste; it’s also about simplicity. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a tasty dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or someone trying out new recipes, this dish offers an excellent balance of flavors and ease in preparation.

Give it a try next time when you want something different from your usual repertoire! Enjoy your cooking!