Description
Lemon Pasta is the kind of easy recipe that makes dinner feel fresh, cozy, and a little special all at once. Tender shrimp, silky spaghetti, garlic, butter, Parmesan, and bright lemon come together in a quick dinner that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant. It is perfect for easy dinner nights, quick seafood pasta cravings, family dinner ideas, and simple food ideas when you want a healthy-feeling meal with bold flavor.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, zested
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
8. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well in the lemon butter mixture.
9. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta looks silky and lightly coated.
10. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to warm through.
11. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp or they will turn rubbery, so pull them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: lemon pasta, shrimp pasta, easy dinner, seafood pasta, quick dinner, pasta recipe, family dinner ideas, food ideas