How to Make a Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of garlic, creating a balanced taste that pairs well with tender pasta and succulent shrimp.

Ingredients needed for this dish are:

1 pound (450g) of large shrimp
8 ounces (225g) of penne pasta or any short pasta of your choice
3 tablespoons of olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced finely
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Black pepper for grinding
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking time: Approximately 25 minutes.

Servings: Serves 4 as a main course, or 6 if served as an appetizer.

Instructions:

Boil the pasta: Place salted water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm).
Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is boiling, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. When it's hot enough, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add lemon zest and juice: Add the lemon zest and squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the pan to combine with the garlic. Stir well so that the shrimp gets a tangy flavor from the citrus.
Cook shrimp until they turn pink: Add the shrimp, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until they have turned fully pink and opaque.
Mix pasta and sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked through, drain the penne pasta and immediately mix with the garlic lemon sauce. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined.
Serve: Divide pasta among serving dishes. Garnish each dish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving warm.

Tips for Success:

Select large shrimp because they will hold more flavor and have a better texture once cooked.
Pasta should be al dente, meaning it has some resistance to the bite. This adds more chewiness which complements the lemon garlic sauce nicely.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they are done when they turn pink and become opaque in color. Overcooking them can result in dry and tough texture.

Nutritional Information:

This dish is rich in protein from both the shrimp and the pasta, offering a filling meal for dinner or as an appetizer. It’s also low in calories compared to other types of pasta dishes due to the olive oil and fresh lemon used instead of heavy cream.

Why You Should Try This Recipe:

The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp creates a harmonious balance of flavors that are both tangy and savory. The dish is simple yet elegant enough for a casual family dinner or impressive enough to serve at a gathering. Its versatility allows it to be prepared quickly while delivering delicious results every time.

Creative Serving Suggestions:

This dish works well on its own but can also be enhanced by adding extra elements like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or capers. It pairs particularly well with a crisp green salad dressed lightly for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta and sauce.

To make this dish even more interesting, you could experiment with different types of pasta such as fusilli or rotini which would add variety in texture alongside the shrimp. Additionally, substituting some or all of the shrimp with scallops can also give a new flavor dimension to your meal.

Conclusion:

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is not only quick and easy to prepare but also extremely tasty! Whether you're looking for something light yet satisfying or just want to impress guests, this recipe offers both simplicity and sophistication. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s a go-to dish that everyone will love.