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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon garlic shrimp pasta with buttery sauce and fresh parmesan. A 20 minute dinner that tastes like restaurant pasta.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1/2 cup parmesan freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. **Boil.** Cook spaghetti in heavily salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. **Sear shrimp.** Heat 2 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear 90 seconds per side. Transfer to a plate.
  3. **Sauce.** Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. **Deglaze.** Pour in white wine (if using), lemon juice, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Simmer 2 minutes.
  5. **Combine.** Add spaghetti and shrimp back to the pan. Toss with lemon zest and parmesan, adding more pasta water as needed to make a silky sauce.
  6. **Serve.** Sprinkle with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp or properly thawed frozen shrimp. Partially frozen shrimp release water and prevent browning. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not forget. It is the secret to silky sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.