This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any night! The juicy shrimp are paired with a zesty lemon sauce and creamy Parmesan cheese.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! I often make this when I need dinner fast, and the fresh flavors always brighten my day. Plus, who doesn’t love pasta? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for its ability to twirl around the shrimp and sauce. You can also substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. Just keep the cooking time in mind to avoid overcooking!
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp really shine in this recipe, but feel free to use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained beforehand!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh is always better!
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice enhance the dish’s brightness. If you need a substitution, you can try bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice is more flavorful. Lime can work as a fun twist too!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings creaminess to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky! You want them perfectly tender, not rubbery. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the shrimp. This helps them sear quickly!
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet as soon as they’re done to prevent overcooking.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked shrimp every time! Enjoy cooking! 🦐
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Time Needed:
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal, perfect for busy evenings or when you crave something fresh and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water! Set both aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and golden. If you’re using spinach, add it next and cook until it’s wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce:
Next, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and reserved pasta water. Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Gently return the shrimp to the skillet and mix them in with the pasta.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor when serving!
Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta with your favorite drink! It makes for a delicious meal any time of the year!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag under cold running water. Pat them dry before seasoning for the best results!
What Pasta Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have linguine or spaghetti, feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy! Fettuccine, penne, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) would all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. You could also add diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra lemon juice to keep it moist.
