Description
This Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is a bright and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that combines al dente pasta with juicy, sautéed shrimp, zesty lemon, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, it’s a quick and elegant weeknight dinner perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Shrimp & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and simmer sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Lower the heat to low and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce becomes silky.
- Toss pasta and shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs loosening.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or include some sundried tomatoes.
- You can substitute zucchini noodles or whole wheat spaghetti for regular pasta to vary textures or boost nutrition.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.
