Deliciously Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a popular dish that combines the vibrant flavors of citrus and aromatic garlic to create an irresistible seafood delight. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings in about 30 minutes of cooking time. The zest, juice, and peel of lemons add a bright freshness while garlic brings depth and warmth.

To start, gather your ingredients which include:

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226g) pasta of your choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Begin by preparing the shrimp. Peel off and discard the shell, leaving only the tail. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure even cooking. Heat up olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it shimmers.

In another bowl, mix the minced garlic along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated zest. Set this mixture aside as you cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain well when done.

Once the pan is hot but not smoking, add the shrimp in batches so they have space to cook without overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes or until pink and opaque, then transfer immediately to a plate. Add more oil if necessary before cooking the remaining shrimp.

Return all the shrimp back into the pan along with the heavy cream. Stir well and let simmer gently for another minute allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste it and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper accordingly. Pour this creamy mixture over your cooked pasta, tossing everything together until each piece is evenly coated.

For garnishing, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of the final dish just before serving if desired; otherwise enjoy your meal right away! Serve immediately while piping hot; it’s best eaten fresh from the stove for maximum flavor experience.

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread slices. For variety, feel free to substitute different types of seafood such as scallops or cod fillets instead of shrimp. You can also experiment by adding other herbs like basil or dill according to personal preference.

Health Benefits

Lemon is rich in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and support collagen production for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and fight bacteria or viruses in your body. Shrimp provides essential amino acids such as arginine, cysteine, and methionine which play crucial roles in various bodily functions including protein synthesis and cell growth.

Consuming this dish regularly could potentially contribute to better heart health and stronger immune function, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet.

Tips For Success

• Cook the pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much sauce, losing its texture.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting since cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking and less flavorful results.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce without using heavy cream, try substituting it with evaporated milk which has lower fat content yet still creates a creamy consistency when heated.

Cooking lemon garlic shrimp pasta is not only delightful but also quite straightforward. With minimal preparation and short cooking time, you can easily whip up this meal at home whenever craving something quick yet packed full of flavor. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece!