This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a tasty blend of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and creamy parmesan. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy!
Every bite bursts with flavor, making it hard to save leftovers. Who can resist that garlic aroma in the kitchen? I certainly can’t! 😄
I love how fast this dish comes together. Just cook the pasta, sauté the shrimp, and mix in that luscious sauce. Dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works great, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Fettuccine or whole wheat pasta can be nice alternatives too!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect here, but if they’re not available, you can use medium shrimp or even scallops! For a vegetarian option, replace shrimp with mushrooms or extra veggies.
Olive Oil vs. Butter: Olive oil adds a lovely flavor but using butter can give a richer taste. Choose based on your preference! For a vegan version, you can use olive oil or vegan butter.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for that creamy, cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use it sparingly!
How Can I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but here’s the secret: don’t overcook them. They only need a few minutes in the hot skillet until they turn opaque. Here’s a foolproof method:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and ensure the oil or butter is hot before adding shrimp.
- Season shrimp well with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp promptly to prevent them from turning rubbery!
Perfectly cooked shrimp should be juicy and tender, paired beautifully with your pasta!
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate the Sauce?
Combining the sauce well is key for flavor throughout the dish. After you’ve prepared the sauce, toss the cooked pasta directly in the skillet with it:
- Lower the heat before adding your pasta, ensuring everything heats evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually—you want a silky sauce that clings to the pasta!
- Don’t forget to mix in your cooked shrimp, parsley, and cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
By following these tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp pasta right at home!
How to Make 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup baby spinach or kale (for added greens)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and half of the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Greens:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. If you’re adding baby spinach or kale, toss it in now and sauté until the greens are wilted.
4. Create the Sauce:
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the delicious sauce. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, gently tossing until everything is evenly mixed and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed. Serve your tasty Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta topped with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh lemon slices on the side. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess water.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, but it’s best to mix them just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce. Store the cooked pasta and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This recipe is quite versatile! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the greens for a boost of flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little reserved pasta water to help refresh the sauce and keep it creamy.
