Zesty Mediterranean Bliss: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta That’ll Transport Your Taste Buds!
Imagine twirling your fork through a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, each strand coated in a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce that sparkles with Mediterranean flair. As you bring the pasta to your lips, plump, succulent shrimp peek out, promising a burst of oceanic flavor in every bite. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary voyage to sun-drenched coastal towns where seafood reigns supreme and simple, fresh ingredients create magic on the plate.
Close your eyes and inhale deeply as you prepare this dish. The aroma of sizzling garlic and the bright, citrusy notes of lemon will fill your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a seaside trattoria. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its irresistible flavors but also in its simplicity. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family or guests clamoring for seconds.
This dish draws inspiration from classic Italian and Greek cuisines, where seafood and pasta are often paired to create harmonious, satisfying meals. The combination of lemon and garlic is a time-honored tradition in Mediterranean cooking, known for its ability to enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it. For a complete meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a crisp Greek salad and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio to complement the citrusy notes in the dish.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound linguine pasta
1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 lemons juiced and zested
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
6. Add the butter to the skillet, stirring until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the pasta with zucchini noodles.
- To add more vegetables, consider tossing in some halved cherry tomatoes or baby spinach leaves during the last minute of cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta or serve the shrimp and sauce over cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 650
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Other Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, colander
Estimated cost per serving: $3.50
Total cost: $14.00
In Conclusion, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your dining table. With its quick preparation time and impressive results, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining.
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