In just 30 minutes and with only one pot, you can create a delightful lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.
This dish combines fresh shrimp with a buttery lemon garlic sauce and parmesan cheese, all mixed together with your favorite pasta to craft a meal that’s not only a fast and easy crowd-pleaser but also something kids and adults alike will love.
Drawing inspiration from classics like lemon garlic shrimp scampi, creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo pasta, and creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp, this recipe stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and the joy it brings to the table, making cooking shrimp an enjoyable experience even on the busiest of days.
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ToggleCreamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta: Your New Favorite One-Pot Meal
Garlic parmesan shrimp pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that promises to turn even those who despised shrimp into believers from the first bite.
This one-pot meal is an instant favorite, awakening taste buds with its blend of bold flavors.
Giving this dish a chance might just introduce you to the best shrimp meal you’ve ever had, transforming hated shrimp views completely.
Why Is This Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta So Amazing?
The secret behind this amazing dish lies in the pasta, sauce, and shrimp being cooked perfectly and seasoned to create not just a dinner but an event.
Imagine inviting friends over and serving them something that tastes like it’s straight out of a fancy restaurant.
With ingredients like linguine pasta and a sauce that rivals the best creamy chicken mushroom Florentine or Cajun sausage linguine, it’s the rich flavors and hint of lemon that seal the deal, making every meal feel like a celebration.
Key Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
This dish brings together a symphony of flavors with each ingredient playing a crucial role.
- Linguine pasta or spaghetti serves as the perfect backdrop for the flavors to unfold.
- A combination of olive oil and butter is used for sauteing, ensuring a rich texture.
- Garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes introduce a warm heat that’s irresistibly fragrant.
- Large shrimp, chosen for their size, are seasoned with salt and pepper, enhancing their natural taste.
- A pinch of Italian seasoning marries the flavors, creating an unforgettable flavor combination.
- Garlic-infused pasta sauce coats the pasta, adding layers of flavor without overwhelming.
- Baby spinach lends a fresh touch, wilting just right to avoid becoming soggy.
- Parmesan cheese is combined with the other ingredients after they’re cooked, adding a nutty, savory finish.
- A tablespoon of lemon juice is the final touch, brightening the entire dish with its zest.
Simplify Your Kitchen Time: Tips For A 30-Minute Meal
Efficiently navigate your kitchen to create flavorful dishes without the hassle.
- Stick to simple recipes that use familiar ingredients to cut down on cooking time.
- Plan ahead by organizing your groceries and prepping fresh produce early.
- Chop ingredients in advance and pre-make any dressings or sauces to have them ready.
- Get your oven preheated and water boiling from the get-go to heat up efficiently.
- Substitute, swap, or omit ingredients you don’t have to avoid time-consuming trips to the store.
- Ask for help in the kitchen to delegate duties like chopping or preparing a side salad, making your cooking process quicker.
Tips For Making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Making lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta is easy, and with a few tweaks, you can adjust the recipe to be perfect for your family.
1. Try Different Pasta
Try different pasta types like Rotini or fusilli as they’re great choices for holding onto the sauce.
For a healthier version, zucchini noodles make an excellent substitute for traditional pasta noodles.
Their crevices are perfect for catching and holding the creamy, delicious sauce. Classics like Fettucine, linguini, spaghetti, and angel hair are also fantastic.
Remember to cook them al dente for that firm, chewy texture.
2. Additional Ingredients
Additional Ingredients can elevate the dish. Consider adding mushrooms, asparagus, chicken, or other seafood to find your favorite combinations.
Even sausages can bring a new dimension of flavor. Spinach adds an extra umph to the pasta, making it even more irresistible.
3. Add Cream
To create a creamy sauce, begin with one cup of heavy cream or cream cheese and adjust as needed.
This addition can transform the texture and flavor profile of the pasta, making it even more luxurious and satisfying.
4. Shrimp
It’s crucial not to over-cook the shrimp; they become rubbery if overcooked. Shrimp should only take a few minutes to cook until they’re pink and seasoned well.
If necessary, add more salt to the finished dish for that extra flavor boost.
5. Salt
Salt the pasta water until it tastes like sea water. Boiling the pasta in salted water makes the pasta itself more flavorful, laying a solid foundation for the overall dish.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Healthier?
Making lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta healthier is easier than you think. Swap heavy whipping cream with half-and-half for a thinner sauce with less fat.
For a dairy-free alternative, try soy milk and olive oil to cut down the fat content significantly.
Mixing half-and-half or milk with a bit of cornstarch can substitute for heavy whipping cream in a 2:1 ratio for a lower fat option.
Blending cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with milk can also create an easy, luxurious recipe with fewer calories.
What To Serve With Shrimp Spaghetti?
Serve shrimp spaghetti with a side of Caesar salad, garlic bread, a tossed green salad or spring mix salad for freshness. Sautéed green beans or oven roasted broccoli also make great companions, elevating the meal.
Variations For Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Exploring different ways to enjoy lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta keeps the meal exciting and adaptable to various dietary needs or preferences.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti noodles. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.
- If you’re looking for a lower carb alternative, try using zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles“, instead of traditional spaghetti noodles. They’re not only healthy but also add a fresh twist to the dish.
- Consider a different protein if you’re not in the mood for shrimp. Chicken can be swapped in easily. Just brown it in a pan before adding it to your pasta.
- Switch up the pasta by trying different shapes and sizes. While long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works well, short pastas such as penne or fusilli can make the dish feel new and exciting.
- Add in some other veggies for extra color and nutrition. Saute mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions before adding them to the mix. These veggies not only boost the flavor but also the health benefits of your meal.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz of linguine noodles
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of chili pepper bits
- 1 and 1/4 pounds of big-sized shrimp
- Season with salt and black pepper as needed
- 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian herbs
- 4 handfuls of young spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Using the same pan, heat a mix of olive oil and butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, then add to the pan. Cook until they turn pink.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the shrimp, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Return the pasta back to the pot.
- Mix in the remaining butter, parmesan, and parsley. Stir until everything is mixed and the butter melted. Finally, add lemon juice and toss everything together. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
FAQs About Shrimp Spaghetti
1. How To Store Leftovers?
Storing leftovers of lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta properly means you can enjoy its flavors again without much clean up. When reheated, it’s almost as good as fresh.
Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always within reach.
2. How To Reheat Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta?
To reheat shrimp spaghetti, use medium heat on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. Adding a tablespoon of water can help loosen the sauce, making it just like new.
3. Can Shrimp Pasta Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze pasta if it’s al dente to avoid it becoming overcooked when reheated. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
4. Is Garlic Shrimp Pasta Spicy?
Garlic shrimp pasta has a kick but is not overly spicy. Red pepper flakes add flavor making it kid-friendly while still offering some heat.
5. Is Shrimp Pasta Healthy?
Making shrimp pasta a healthier option is easy. Use whole-grain spaghetti instead of white pasta for more fibre, iron, and B-vitamins. Adding olive oil, shrimp, and spinach introduces heart-healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins like A, K, iron, folate, and potassium, making it a well-balanced meal.
6. Do I Need To Cook Frozen Cooked Shrimp?
When using frozen cooked shrimp, add them to the pot just to be warmed with the other ingredients. Since they’re already cooked, you only need to reheat them to the specific temperature.