Description
A quick, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Features shrimp, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work great)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Get the pasta going: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add the lemon: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly.
- Add the parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve it up: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: pasta, shrimp, garlic, lemon, quick dinner, last minute meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner