This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a burst of flavors! With juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and creamy parmesan, it’s a dish that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up.
You’ll love how quick it is to make—perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious. Just toss everything together, and you’ll have a meal that looks like it came from a restaurant! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works best for this recipe, but feel free to use gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier twist.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can be just as good. Make sure to thaw them before cooking. If you’re not a shrimp lover, chicken or a plant-based protein like tofu works too!
Garlic: Garlic is essential for flavor. If you’re not a garlic fan, consider using shallots or great quality garlic powder as a milder alternative.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can substitute it with kale or arugula, or even use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use a vegan Parmesan substitute. You can also use Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste!
How Can I Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right. Timing is key—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp; this helps them sear quickly.
- Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes on each side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re cooked. They’ll continue to cook slightly with residual heat, so take them out promptly.
With these tips and insights, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, plus a few minutes to toss everything together. Quick, easy, and perfect when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s fragrant—careful not to let it brown!
4. Add Spinach:
If you’re using spinach, add it to the skillet now, cooking until wilted—about 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but adds a lovely color and nutrition to the dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp back to the skillet! Stir in the lemon zest and juice from the lemon, mixing well. Then, carefully add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well-combined. If the pasta feels dry, slowly add in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully.
7. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, bright, and creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta! It’s sure to be a hit.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes for a quicker option.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No problem! You can leave out the spinach entirely or substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or arugula. If using frozen spinach, just thaw it and drain well before adding it to the skillet.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter or olive oil in place of the butter and choose a plant-based cheese substitute instead of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to rehydrate the pasta and sauce.
