This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a tasty treat that pairs juicy shrimp with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s creamy, cheesy, and super simple to whip up for dinner!
You’ll love how quick this dish comes together. I often find myself making it when craving something fancy without too much effort. Who doesn’t enjoy a pasta night? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for this dish because it holds the sauce nicely, but spaghetti works just as well. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta; it tastes great too!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them properly. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or broccoli!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma. You can use garlic powder in a hurry, but fresh is really best. If you’re not a garlic fan, reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan adds a creamy texture. If you’re lactose-free, swap in a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can also be good substitutes for a twist!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is a must for this zestiness. If lemons aren’t available, a splash of bottled lemon juice can be a backup. Lime can work well too, just adjust to taste!
How Do You Make Sure the Shrimp Stays Juicy?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they can easily overcook and turn rubbery. Here’s how to keep them juicy and tender:
- Start with high heat. This helps sear them quickly.
- Cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet as soon as they’re done; carryover heat will cook them a bit more.
Follow these steps, and your shrimp will turn out just right every time!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and 10 minutes to cook everything. It’s a quick, delightful meal perfect for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the last tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Next, stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the butter and stir until it melts into the sauce.
4. Combine and Serve:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired sauce consistency. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top, mixing gently to combine.
Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan if you love cheese.
This dish is bright, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal any night of the week! Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta! 🍋🍤
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the lemon garlic sauce in advance. Just cook everything up to the point before adding the shrimp and pasta, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and proceed with adding the shrimp and pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you need to substitute Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor, or nutritional yeast if you want a dairy-free option. Just note that the taste may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to help rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out!
