This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a tasty blend of shrimp, pasta, and a zingy lemon sauce. The garlic and Parmesan add great flavor, making it hard to resist!
Seriously, who can say no to shrimp and pasta? This dish is ready in no time, so I love making it for a quick weeknight dinner. Just don’t forget the extra cheese on top! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for its ability to hold sauces well. Spaghetti is great too! You can swap it out for gluten-free pasta if you prefer that option.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen works fine too—just thaw them before cooking. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you could use chicken or even sautéed veggies for a different take.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and is excellent for cooking. You can use butter instead for a richer taste, or avocado oil as a neutral alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it. Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure they sear rather than steam.
- Heat your skillet and add olive oil before the shrimp. This prevents sticking.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque when done.
- If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to rinse them under cold water and dry them well before seasoning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden color!
What’s the Trick to a Lemony Sauce?
The lemon juice and zest are what give this dish its bright kick! To make sure you get the most flavor:
- Use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice; the flavor is much better.
- Grate the zest before juicing. This captures all those essential oils.
- Start with a little juice and taste before adding more to get your perfect balance.
This will enhance the dish without overwhelming it!
Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
Estimated Time Needed:
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and delightful option for dinner. You’ll enjoy every moment of preparing this fresh and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain it. Set the pasta aside for later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it! Then, lower the heat and add the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and about half of the chopped parsley. Stir everything together to create a wonderful lemony sauce.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and binds everything together.
5. Return the Shrimp:
Gently add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them lightly with the pasta and sauce to combine and warm through.
6. Taste and Serve:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve your delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon slices on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful, garlicky, and cheesy pasta dish! It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What Pasta Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have spaghetti or linguine on hand, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the package.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, and then simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally for even heating.
