Zesty Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

Embark on a culinary adventure with a zesty lemon shrimp spaghetti recipe that brings sunshine to your plate. The harmonious blend of citrusy notes with tender shrimp and al dente spaghetti makes for an irresistible dish. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or looking to try something new, this delightful recipe is sure to brighten your day.

I first encountered this dish during a family trip to the Amalfi Coast. Surrounded by fragrant lemon groves and the azure Mediterranean Sea, we stumbled upon a quaint little café where the owner served us his signature pasta. Ever since, we’ve cherished this dish, recreating it back home and reminiscing happier times with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This zesty lemon shrimp spaghetti is fresh, light, and packed with flavors that will leave you craving more. The simplicity of the preparation makes it perfect for busy evenings, yet it’s elegant enough to impress dinner guests. The recipe balances the sweetness of shrimp with the zing of lemon and a hint of garlic, rounding out to a beautifully balanced dish.

Ingredients Notes

Freshness is key in this recipe. Opt for fresh shrimp if possible to enhance the flavor profile. Lemon should be fresh to ensure the recipe shines with its citrusy fragrance. For a touch of heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spaghetti works well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta type.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 3

Add shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add lemon juice and zest, stirring in the reserved pasta water. Simmer for a few minutes.

Step 5

Toss in cooked spaghetti and shrimp, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop. This dish can be frozen for up to a month; however, freezing may alter the texture of the shrimp slightly.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for additional flavors. Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken if preferred. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with avocado oil.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine. Serve it as a main course for a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner. Freshly baked garlic bread or a simple green salad makes for a perfect accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, frozen shrimp can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are properly thawed, rinsed, and patted dry before cooking.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together? Stirring the pasta occasionally while it boils and rinsing it with cold water post-cooking can help. Adding a little olive oil to the water also prevents sticking.

What can I do if my sauce is too tangy? Should the lemon prove overpowering, balance the flavors by incorporating a touch of cream or a light spread of unsalted butter to mellow the zestiness.

Zesty Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

A delightful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp tossed with spaghetti in a zesty lemon sauce.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• ▢ 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• ▢ 3 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 pc lemon zested and juiced
• ▢ 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• ▢ 0.25 tsp salt to taste
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.