Description
A light and refreshing Italian-inspired lemon spaghetti with succulent shrimp, combining zesty lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan for a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood pasta dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked spaghetti and grated Parmesan cheese back into the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently mix everything together. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve: Serve the lemon spaghetti with shrimp immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute angel hair pasta for a lighter, more delicate texture.
- Swap shrimp for grilled chicken to vary the protein.
- For a creamy variation, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce.
