Bright, zesty, and loaded with flavor, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a quick and elegant dinner that feels special but comes together in under 30 minutes. The delicate angel hair pasta beautifully complements the succulent shrimp which are perfectly infused with garlic and fresh lemon juice, making every bite a refreshing delight.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. The creamy Parmesan finish and vibrant parsley add a fresh and rich touch that balances the tangy citrus notes flawlessly.
- It’s fast and easy to prepare, perfect for a quick midweek dinner.
- The lemon and garlic combination creates a bright, fresh, and flavorful sauce.
- Angel hair pasta pairs wonderfully with shrimp for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Minimal ingredients but impressive in taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta: 12 oz of delicate, thin pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the lemony garlic sauce perfectly.
- Shrimp: 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp that cook quickly and add a sweet seafood flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for sautéing garlic and shrimp, adding richness and depth.
- Garlic cloves: 2 cloves, minced finely to infuse the oil with pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Lemon juice: Fresh juice of 2 lemons provides bright acidity and refreshing zestiness to the dish.
- Grated Parmesan: 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese that melts into the pasta, adding creamy umami richness.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup chopped parsley for a fresh herbal finish and lovely green contrast.
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. This ensures the pasta stays delicate yet firm to the bite.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step releases the garlic’s natural oils and flavors, forming the base of your sauce.
- Cook the shrimp
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Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Toss pasta with shrimp and sauce ingredients
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Reduce heat to low, then add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss everything together gently so the flavors meld and the cheese melts evenly, coating the pasta in a luscious sauce. Add parsley and toss once more.
- Serve immediately
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Transfer the pasta to plates or a serving bowl while still warm. Garnish with a little extra parsley or Parmesan if desired. Serving immediately ensures the pasta stays tender and the sauce fresh and bright.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and authentic flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same fresh zestiness.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as it becomes tough and loses its natural sweetness.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the shrimp and pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and develop nice color.
- If the sauce feels too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it without diluting flavors.
- Fresh herbs like basil or chives can also be added alongside parsley for an herby twist.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
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Yes, frozen shrimp works well but make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?
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Spaghetti or linguine are great substitutes if you prefer slightly thicker pasta that still pairs well with shrimp.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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Not as written since angel hair pasta contains gluten. Use gluten-free pasta alternatives to make it gluten-free.
- Can I add cream to the sauce?
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Yes, a splash of cream or half-and-half will create a richer, creamier sauce but is not necessary for the bright, fresh flavor.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to add a subtle heat that complements the lemon garlic flavors.
- What wine pairs with this pasta?
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A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the citrus and seafood elements in this dish.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 skillet for sautéing shrimp and garlic
- 1 pot for cooking pasta
- 1 colander for draining pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in the skillet or a serving bowl.
- Toss well to combine and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Substitute angel hair with thin spaghetti if unavailable.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days.
