Description
A light and flavorful Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and parsley for a vibrant, zesty seafood pasta experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Make Lemon Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the hot drained spaghetti and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked shrimp and chopped parsley to the pasta and toss gently until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta with shrimp and garnish with extra lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with linguine or angel hair pasta for variation.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream before serving.
- To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
