This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a tasty dish that’s quick to whip up. Juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and cheesy Parmesan blend perfectly with al dente pasta for a fresh experience.
The smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen is pure magic. I always end up making extra so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day—because who can resist such a delicious meal? 🍋🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using linguine or spaghetti since they hold the sauce well. If you’re in a pinch, any similar pasta will work too! Gluten-free options, like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, are great alternatives if needed.
Shrimp: Large shrimp make for a satisfying bite, but you can also use medium shrimp or even frozen shrimp if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings tons of flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1/2 teaspoon to replace each clove. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but you can use a pre-grated version if you’re short on time. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice in a pinch will nicely balance flavors, though fresh is always better!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Garlic in This Recipe?
Garlic gives this dish a burst of flavor, but it can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat when sautéing garlic to prevent burning.
- Once you add the garlic to the hot oil, watch it closely! It should only take about a minute to become fragrant.
- If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two, but remember to adjust cooking time to not overdo it!
Following these tips will help you achieve that wonderful aroma and flavor we all love in our pasta! Enjoy cooking! 🍝
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Flavor:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, and then about 10 to 15 minutes preparing and combining everything. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, save about 1 cup of the pasta water (this helps with the sauce later) and then drain the pasta. Set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp into the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it brown!
4. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until they wilt down, mixing well with the garlic.
5. Combine with the Pasta:
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together well so that the pasta picks up all that tasty garlic butter and spinach goodness!
6. Mix in the Flavors:
Now it’s time to brighten things up! Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the grated Parmesan cheese. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Add the Shrimp Back:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat and garnish your delicious pasta with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve it up immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of flavor!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta! It’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand. The best method is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or for a quicker option, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge that in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Spinach?
No problem! You can either omit the spinach or substitute it with another leafy green, such as kale or arugula. You can also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil and microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to combine everything again.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Just store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and combine them right before serving.
