Shrimp Pasta with Charred Lemon and Garlic Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 poundspaghetti or linguine
- 1 poundshrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 3lemon
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoonolive oil
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ¼ cupfresh parsley
- 1 to tastekosher salt and black pepper
Prep
- 01
Peel and devein 1 pound large shrimp if not pre-peeled.
- 02
Mince 6 garlic cloves.
- 03
Chop about 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until 1 minute before al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, then transfer to a small bowl.
- 03
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook in a single layer for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining 5 minced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Cut 2 lemons in half and place cut-side down in the skillet; cook for 2 minutes until charred, then squeeze into the pan and stir. Add red pepper flakes.
- 05
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon mixture. Pour in 3/4 cup pasta water and toss, adding more water as needed to create a silky sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine.
- 06
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among bowls, top with charred breadcrumbs and parsley, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the remaining lemon.
Spice Tips
For deeper heat and smokiness, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of smoked paprika. Fresh basil or mint can replace parsley for a different brightness. A splash of white wine (2 tablespoons) added after the lemon chars adds richness.
This recipe comes together in under 25 minutes. For a protein boost, toss in a handful of spinach or arugula in the final minute. Shrimp can be swapped for white fish fillets, halved scallops, or kept vegetarian with cannellini beans or white beans.