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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Two

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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner recipe featuring tender shrimp in a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce served over spaghetti, perfect for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 12 ounces (340 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice separated)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 12 ounces (340 g) shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear nicely.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add minced garlic (3 cloves) and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until opaque and firm.
  5. Add lemon zest from 1 lemon and squeeze about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir to combine and let the sauce bubble for a minute.
  6. Reduce heat to low, then add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta with the buttery garlic sauce.
  7. Pour in reserved pasta water (1/4 cup) gradually while tossing to loosen the sauce and give it a silky texture.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning if needed.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure good sear. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Substitute butter with olive oil for dairy-free version. Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. Fresh lemon juice added at the end keeps flavor vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp pasta, 15-minute meal, seafood pasta, date night recipe, simple pasta dish

Find it online: https://islatable.com/quick-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-for-two-easy-15-minute-dinner-recipe/