Are you in the mood for a delectable seafood pasta dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguini.
Bursting with bold flavors and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So, put on your apron and let’s get started!.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguini
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the linguini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them as they will become rubbery.
4. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Be sure to leave the garlic-infused oil in the skillet.
5. Add the cooked linguini to the skillet and toss it in the garlic-infused oil, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice over the linguini and sprinkle the lemon zest on top. Toss everything together to incorporate the flavors.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them with the linguini.
8. Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the dish, giving it a vibrant and fresh burst of flavor.
9. Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguini hot and garnish with extra lemon zest and parsley, if desired.
Variations:
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:.
Parmesan Addition:
If you’re a cheese lover, grate some fresh Parmesan over the finished dish for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Vegetable Medley:
For added color and nutritional value, toss in some sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or baby spinach.
Spaghetti instead of Linguini:
If you don’t have linguini on hand, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti or any other long pasta variety you prefer.
Tips:
1. Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best results. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch, but the texture might not be as ideal.
2. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
3. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It is a key ingredient in this recipe, and the minced garlic cooked in olive oil creates the delicious base for the dish.
4. For an even richer taste, you can substitute some of the olive oil with melted butter.
5. Avoid overcooking the linguini. Cook it until it is just al dente so that it maintains its texture when combined with the sauce and shrimp.
6. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to suit your preferences. Some popular choices include basil, oregano, or even a touch of paprika.