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For this easy dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) These ingredients create a wonderful flavor. The shrimp brings a nice texture, while garlic adds depth. You can change this dish to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. - Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Add cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst of flavor. - Use basil instead of parsley for a different herb taste. - For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. These options make the dish your own. Feel free to mix and match as you like! Toppings can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty suggestions: - Grated Parmesan cheese for richness. - Extra red pepper flakes for more heat. - Lemon wedges for a zesty kick. - A sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. These toppings add fun flavors and make your plate look great. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas! For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the instructions on the package until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, not soft. After cooking, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir them for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Now, it’s time to mix everything together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Toss everything well. You want the pasta to soak up all the garlic and oil flavor. Finally, take it off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of chopped parsley. This adds a fresh taste. Adjust the seasoning if you need to. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best taste, use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor that enhances the dish. Choose good-quality olive oil for a rich and smooth finish. Add the garlic to the oil just as it heats up. This way, the garlic releases its aroma without burning. Using fresh parsley adds a bright taste. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they can become rubbery. Another mistake is not saving pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Finally, don’t forget to adjust the seasoning. Taste your dish before serving. You may need more salt or pepper. You will need a large pot for boiling pasta. A sturdy skillet is great for sautéing the shrimp. A cutting board and knife make chopping garlic and parsley easy. Use a measuring cup for the pasta water and lemon juice. A pasta fork or tongs helps to toss the pasta with the shrimp. If you want, a zester makes adding lemon zest simple. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can boost your dish with vegetables. Try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and flavor. They also give your meal more vitamins. Just sauté them with garlic before adding shrimp. This simple step makes the dish healthier and more filling. If you want to change the protein, use chicken or scallops. Both cook fast and taste great. Cut chicken into small pieces to match shrimp's cooking time. If you prefer a seafood twist, try clams or mussels. They add a nice briny flavor that works well with garlic. You can switch up the flavors too! Add fresh basil or oregano for a different taste. For a spicy kick, try adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use different oils, like avocado or sesame. Each choice will change the dish's character, making it fun to experiment. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your garlic shrimp pasta, use the stovetop for the best taste. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently until the pasta is warm. This method helps maintain the flavors and texture. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your garlic shrimp pasta, do it right after cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After thawing, reheat it on the stovetop for the best results. This keeps your meal tasty and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the main section. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them defrost quickly. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step keeps your dish from getting watery. To make it gluten-free, swap out the pasta. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. Cook it just like regular pasta. Check the package for cooking times. This way, you still enjoy the great taste of garlic shrimp pasta without gluten. If you need a substitute for olive oil, try avocado oil or coconut oil. Both options work well in this dish. Avocado oil has a mild flavor, making it a good choice. Coconut oil adds a slight sweetness. Choose what fits your taste best. For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. This article covered the key ingredients and steps for making quick garlic shrimp pasta. We explored essential ingredients, cooking tips, and variations to keep it exciting. Remember, you have options for protein and veggies, making this dish versatile. Proper storage helps maintain freshness, ensuring leftovers taste great. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal that impresses friends and family. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy creating this tasty dish over and over.

Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with this Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe that's both simple and delicious! In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and a zesty kick from lemon. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta will impress family and friends alike.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 lemon, juiced and zested

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

        Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated in the garlic-oil sauce.

          Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Adjust seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Plate the garlic shrimp pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in individual bowls, garnished with a lemon wedge and extra parsley for a pop of color.