This enticing Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and spicy, promising to be a hit at your dinner table. The succulent shrimp lightly seasoned with aromatic garlic and Italian spices, tossed with linguine and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich, buttery lemon parmesan sauce. This simple yet vibrant dish can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, marrying the flavors of the sea with the freshness of garden greens, leaving you craving for more.
All the ingredients required for this recipe are usually found in a standard kitchen pantry. However, if you need to restock, pay special attention to the quality of shrimp. Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best results. Additionally, choose a good quality Parmesan cheese which offers a rich and robust flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you could replace the linguine with any other pasta of your choice such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Linguine pasta: Ideal for creamy sauces and seafood. If not available, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine.
Olive oil: Used for sauteing. It adds a rich, fruity flavor that forms the base of Italian cuisine.
Butter: Adds a creamy, rich texture and flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a robust, earthy flavor which is essential in any Italian dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the pasta.
Large shrimp: The star ingredient of the dish. Ensure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of traditional Italian herbs to enhance the dish's flavor.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh and nutritious element to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a rich and robust flavor when grated over the pasta.
Parsley: Used for garnish. It adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.
Lemon juice: Offers a tangy note, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
One reader, Annora Batchelor says:
This lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the shrimp is so succulent. The combination of garlic, lemon, and parmesan creates a heavenly taste. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delightful and satisfying pasta dish.
Cooking Techniques for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
How to cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
How to cook the shrimp: In a pan, heat olive oil and butter, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, then add the shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink.
How to wilt the spinach: Add the Italian seasoning and spinach to the pan with the shrimp and cook until the spinach is wilted.
How to mix the pasta: Add the cooked pasta back to the pan with the remaining butter, parmesan, and parsley. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
How to add the lemon juice: Before serving, add the lemon juice to the pasta and shrimp mixture and stir well. Serve hot.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Savor a bite of this deliciously buttery shrimp pasta with juicy shrimp simmered in a lemon-garlic sauce tossed with parmesan, parsley, and spices!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozlinguine pasta
- 2tbspolive oil
- 6tbspbutter
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspred pepper flakes
- 1¼lbslarge shrimp
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- 4cupsbaby spinach
- ½cupparmesan cheese
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
- 1tbsplemon juice
Instructions
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In a large pot, cook the pasta in boiling water according to its package directions.
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Drain and set aside.
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Using the same pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
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Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp and salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook until the shrimp start to turn pink.
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Add the Italian seasoning and spinach, and cook until wilted.
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Add the pasta back to the pot with the remaining butter, parmesan, and parsley.
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Stir until mixed and the butter is melted.
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Add the lemon juice before serving and serve while hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 405.23kcal
- Fat: 20.83g
- Saturated Fat: 10.32g
- Trans Fat: 0.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.50g
- Carbohydrates: 31.19g
- Fiber: 1.68g
- Sugar: 1.30g
- Protein: 22.79g
- Cholesterol: 158.02mg
- Sodium: 715.95mg
- Calcium: 226.81mg
- Potassium: 271.57mg
- Iron: 1.38mg
- Vitamin A: 212.57µg
- Vitamin C: 5.29mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
When cooking the shrimp, it's crucial not to overcook them as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. The moment they turn pink, they're done. Also, adding the lemon juice just before serving helps to preserve its fresh and tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and devein shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a recipe that allows you to cook the pasta and shrimp in the same pot to minimize cleanup.
Quick-cooking shrimp: Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on preparation.
Fresh and frozen: Consider using frozen spinach instead of fresh to skip the washing and chopping steps.
Lemon juice shortcut: Utilize pre-squeezed lemon juice for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated parmesan cheese can be used to save time on grating.
Butter shortcut: Use pre-portioned butter to skip the measuring and cutting steps.
Pasta portioning: Cook the exact amount of pasta needed to avoid excess and save time on boiling and draining.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe
linguine pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, providing a similar texture and a neutral base for the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, a clarified butter, can be used as a substitute for butter, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, adding depth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant color to the dish, similar to red pepper flakes.
large shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops can be used as a substitute for shrimp, offering a delicate, sweet flavor and a tender texture.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: A combination of dried oregano and basil can provide the herby, aromatic flavors typically found in Italian seasoning.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, offering a hearty texture and a slightly earthy flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, providing a similar salty, tangy flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity to the dish, similar to the brightness provided by lemon juice.
Presenting Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Elevate the pasta: Gently twirl the linguine into a nest shape using tongs, ensuring it's evenly distributed on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the pasta to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Arrange the shrimp: Place the shrimp on top of the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed and visible from all angles.
Drizzle with lemon-infused oil: Create a delicate drizzle of olive oil infused with lemon juice around the edge of the plate for a touch of acidity and aroma.
Sprinkle with parmesan snow: Using a fine grater, sprinkle a dusting of parmesan cheese over the dish, resembling a light snowfall on top of the pasta and shrimp.
Nestle spinach leaves: Tuck a few baby spinach leaves around the pasta and shrimp for a touch of vibrant green and a hint of earthiness.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a small cluster of microgreens on top of the shrimp for a delicate and sophisticated finishing touch.
Final touch with lemon zest: Grate a touch of fresh lemon zest over the dish to add a burst of citrus aroma and a visually appealing touch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Pasta
Large pot: Used for boiling pasta and cooking larger quantities of food.
Pan: Used for sautéing and cooking the shrimp and other ingredients.
Colander: Used for draining the cooked pasta.
Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the shrimp while cooking.
Grater: Used for grating the parmesan cheese.
Lemon squeezer: Used for extracting juice from the lemon.
Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients such as spices and lemon juice.
Cooking spoon: Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
- To store leftover lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to help reconstitute the sauce.
- Note: The shrimp may become slightly tough and rubbery after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be safe to eat and maintain its delicious flavor.
How to Reheat Leftover Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the pasta in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method works best if you have a smaller portion of leftover pasta.
For a more flavorful twist, add some extra garlic, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice while reheating the pasta in a skillet. This will help to revive the flavors and make the dish taste fresh again.
If you have leftover shrimp and pasta separately, you can reheat them individually. Reheat the pasta using one of the methods mentioned above, and quickly sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet with a little olive oil until they are heated through. Combine the reheated pasta and shrimp before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Is Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Cost-Effective?
This lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of shrimp and parmesan cheese may increase the cost, but the dish's flavor and nutritional value make it worthwhile. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The dish's versatility and the use of simple, readily available ingredients make it a practical choice for a special dinner. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Shrimp Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like shrimp, which is a lean protein source, and spinach, which is packed with vitamins and minerals. The recipe also incorporates garlic, a flavorful ingredient known for its potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of butter and parmesan cheese, which are high in saturated fat and calories. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, the pasta itself is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with additional olive oil, which is a healthier fat option
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrient content and fiber
- Opt for a lower-fat parmesan cheese or use it sparingly to reduce the overall saturated fat content
- Serve the pasta with a side salad to add more vegetables and balance out the meal
Editor's Opinion on Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
This lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The blend of garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice adds a zesty kick, while the shrimp and spinach provide a satisfying heartiness. The use of butter and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the linguine perfectly. The dish is well-balanced and offers a burst of freshness from the lemon juice and parsley. Overall, it's a fantastic dish that is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
Enhance Your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The succulent shrimp is complemented by the zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic, while the richness of parmesan cheese adds a luxurious touch. The use of olive oil and butter ensures a luscious and satisfying dish. With the addition of vibrant spinach and fragrant parsley, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients. Trust in this recipe to elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal.
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