Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes and serves four people. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a light lunch.

The aroma of freshly squeezed lemon juice, combined with the rich garlic flavor, enhances the delicate sweetness of the shrimp and the earthy taste of the pasta. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces (450g) penne pasta
• 1 pound (about 30 shrimp, peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Start by boiling the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain it well but save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

In the meantime, heat up your pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add minced garlic cloves; sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink on both sides. Make sure you do this carefully so that they stay tender rather than tough or rubbery. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the heat and toss with lemon zest and juice to mix well. If desired, add some fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Pour in the cooked penne pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Mix everything together ensuring all components are evenly distributed. Season generously with salt and pepper before serving immediately.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 kcal per serving (approx.)
• Fat Content: Saturated fat - 8g, Polyunsaturated fat - 12g, Monounsaturated fat - 16g.
• Carbohydrates: Total carbs - 73g, Fiber content - 4g
• Protein: Approximately 25 grams per serving.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

To ensure your shrimp remain succulent and tender during cooking, make sure they are just cooked through. Overcooking can cause them to become tough.

The amount of lemon juice used can be adjusted based on personal preference; some people love a lot more tangy flavors while others prefer it milder.

Storage and Reheating

If you decide not to consume the entire dish right away, let it cool down completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container inside your refrigerator. This dish should last up to four days when stored properly.

To reheat, simply microwave it according to package instructions or gently warm it on low heat in a pan until heated through without overcooking the shrimp again.

Conclusion

With its rich flavor profile and ease of preparation, lemon garlic shrimp pasta makes an ideal addition to any meal plan. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner option or want to impress guests at your next gathering, this dish delivers every time! Try it out soon; I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much as we do here.