Shrimp, garlic, and lemon combine with pasta for a zesty Italian main finished with parsley and optional Parmesan.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ Seafood
03 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Aromatics and Flavor
04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
→ Seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
13 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
02 - While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
04 - Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
05 - Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta with the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and half of the chopped fresh parsley. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
06 - Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve the shrimp and garlic pasta immediately. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.
