![- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) When I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, I love the fresh taste of lemon and garlic. This dish is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The shrimp adds protein, while the pasta gives you that comforting feel. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat level. Some like it spicy, while others prefer it mild. - Calories per serving: This dish has about 450 calories. - Fat: 20 grams - Carbs: 50 grams - Protein: 25 grams This meal is balanced and satisfying. The shrimp gives you protein, while the pasta offers carbs for energy. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and the lemon juice gives a nice zing. Enjoy this dish knowing it is not only tasty but also good for you! For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. Cooking the pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook until it is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Don't forget to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Sautéing the garlic In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell fragrant but not brown. Adding shrimp to the skillet Next, toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Make sure every shrimp is in the oil and garlic mix. Seasoning and cooking instructions Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Incorporating lemon flavors Now, lower the heat a bit. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the shrimp. Stir everything well. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Final mixing with pasta Carefully add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together. You want the pasta to be well coated with the lemon garlic sauce and shrimp. To make sure your shrimp are perfectly cooked, focus on the color. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so be careful. Preventing garlic from burning is key to great flavor. Cook it on medium heat and stir it often. Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add your shrimp. This way, you keep that nice garlic taste without the bitter burn. For presentation, serve your pasta in deep bowls. This adds a cozy feel. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of green. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color. If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes right before serving. Pair your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine complements the dish well, too. It brings out the lemon and garlic flavors nicely. To reheat leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, use a skillet. Heat it on low and add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the pasta moist. Stir gently until heated through. If you want to freeze the pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the pasta in this dish. Try whole wheat, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type adds its own unique touch. If you prefer a different seafood, shrimp is not your only option. You can use scallops, crab meat, or even lobster. Each choice will change the flavor in fun ways. For gluten-free pasta, look for brands made from rice or chickpeas. These options taste great and work well in this recipe. If you want a vegan version, skip the shrimp and use chickpeas or tofu instead. Both options are rich in protein and will fill you up. To boost flavor, add fresh veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. They add color and nutrition. If you want more heat, sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It makes the dish exciting and adds a kick! I love using spaghetti for this dish. It holds the sauce well. You can also use linguine or fettuccine if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to keep it moist and tasty. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store the pasta and shrimp in separate containers. Reheat them together for the best taste. Yes, you can! Try adding fresh basil or thyme for a different twist. A pinch of paprika or cayenne can also add nice heat. Feel free to get creative! For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps. To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, follow these simple steps. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook it until it's al dente. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. Next, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute until it smells nice, but don't let it brown. Now, toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink. After that, lower the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir everything well. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Carefully add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and mix it all together. Make sure the pasta is coated with the sauce and shrimp. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve right away, adding more parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top if you want. For more details, check out the [Full Recipe](#). Enjoy your meal! In this article, we covered how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. I shared the essential ingredients, steps for cooking, and key tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about variations and how to adapt recipes for different diets. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Try it tonight. You’ll enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal. Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/516d7fb3-badf-4030-b6a6-c3b6e5aad3ef-250x250.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with this quick and easy recipe! Featuring succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it's sure to impress. Grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious cooking adventure. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!