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One pot meals like this lemon garlic shrimp pasta make weeknight dinners easy and satisfying. The fresh lemon zest and juice brighten every bite while tender shrimp and al dente noodles soak up a light garlicky sauce. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, it is a go to in my house when I want something flavorful fast. I love using grain free pasta for a lighter feel but any noodles will work just fine.
I first made this on a busy Monday when I had no time to spare. Now we make it weekly because my toddler asks for it by name.
Ingredients
- Grain free dried spaghetti pasta: this cooks up tender and light use spaghetti linguine or even zucchini noodles for a low carb option
- Ghee: adds rich buttery flavor and is great for high heat cooking or use butter if preferred
- Garlic cloves: use fresh garlic for best flavor avoid jarred
- Crushed red pepper flakes: adds gentle heat use less or omit for mild palates
- Shrimp: peeled and deveined look for firm and fresh or thaw frozen and pat dry
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and balance
- Fresh lemon juice: use freshly squeezed lemons not bottled for best flavor
- Lemon zest: adds aromatic citrus punch use a microplane to zest just the outer layer
- Chopped fresh parsley: gives freshness and color flat leaf parsley works best
- Grated parmesan: optional but adds savory richness skip for dairy free option
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and season well with salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions but reduce time by one minute for an al dente texture. Drain and reserve one quarter cup of pasta water if you want a silkier sauce. Set pasta aside.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- As the pasta boils heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ghee and allow it to melt fully. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Let cook for one minute until garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. Let cook undisturbed for one to two minutes per side just until opaque and slightly pink. Remove immediately to avoid overcooking which can make shrimp rubbery.
- Toss the Pasta and Sauce:
- Lower the heat to low. Return the pasta to the skillet with shrimp. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Use tongs to gently toss everything together so the noodles absorb the garlic lemon sauce. If using reserved pasta water add a splash to loosen the mixture.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Add grated parmesan if using. Plate immediately and serve warm.
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Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts stirring in between to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Ingredient Substitutions
If ghee is not available use regular unsalted butter. You can also substitute linguine or whole wheat pasta if gluten is not a concern. For a low carb version zucchini noodles are a great swap. If fresh parsley is out use a pinch of dried or skip it entirely.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crisp green salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread is also a classic side.
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Cultural Context
Shrimp pasta dishes are popular in coastal cuisines around the world. This version draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors with lemon garlic and olive oil like elements while keeping it quick and American family style in execution.
The lemon zest is my favorite part because it adds this amazing aroma that lingers as you eat. My daughter always helps zest the lemons which has become our little ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any long noodle such as linguine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles will work well with this dish.
- → Is it okay to substitute butter for ghee?
Absolutely. If you're not following a specific diet, regular butter is a perfect substitute for ghee.
- → How do I prevent the shrimp from getting overcooked?
Cook the shrimp just 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
This pasta pairs well with roasted veggies like broccoli or a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- → Can I make this dish dairy free?
Yes, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy free.
- → How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.