30-Minute Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ouncespasta
- 1 poundshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 2lemon
- 4 tablespoonolive oil
- ½ cupchicken broth
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoonkosher salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ cupfresh parsley
- 2 tablespoonbutter
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9–12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- 02
While pasta cooks, mince the garlic. Zest both lemons and juice them into a small bowl (you should have about 1/4 cup juice).
- 03
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- 04
Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 06
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta.
- 07
Return shrimp to the skillet along with butter and lemon zest. Toss gently for 1 minute until everything is heated through and the butter is melted.
- 08
Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For a kick of heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. A pinch of smoked paprika adds subtle depth. If you like garlic more assertively, add 2 more cloves — this dish welcomes it.