Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Here's a delightful recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, bursting with fresh flavor and ready in under 30 minutes - perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Estimated Timing:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Total time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces dried pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
• Salt

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Let's Make This Delicious Pasta!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a expansive pot of salted water to a bubble. Include the pasta and cook concurring to bundle headings. In the last minute of cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using).
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan (with the leftover shrimp drippings), melt the butter over medium heat. Include the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic.
5. Deglaze the Pan (optional):  Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine stew for a diminutive or two, permitting the liquor to cook off.
6. Add More Flavor:  Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring to a stew and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Bring it All Together:  Add the chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (slightly thick and creamy).
8. Final Touches:  Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the pan with the sauce. Gently heat everything through for about a minute.
9. Serve and Savor!  Plate the delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley (optional). Enjoy!

Tips for Luscious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

• Shrimp Savvy: Choose fresh, firm shrimp for the best results. Thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta according to package directions for "al dente" (slightly firm to the bite) for the best texture. Save around 1 glass of the pasta water some time recently depleting.
• Wine or No Wine? Dry white wine adds a touch of acidity that brightens the sauce. If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply substitute additional chicken or vegetable broth.

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tender shrimp, a light and garlicky sauce, and fresh lemon juice is sure to please. Feel free to add a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.