![To make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, you need these simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving When picking shrimp, freshness matters. Here are some tips: - Look for a clean smell. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea, not fishy. - Check the color. Fresh shrimp have a clear, shiny look. Avoid any that are dull or blackened. - Feel for firmness. Fresh shrimp should feel firm and bounce back when you touch them. - Buy from trusted sources. Local fish markets often have the best quality. You can adapt this dish for different diets. Here are some ideas: - For gluten-free diets: Use gluten-free pasta. - For a vegetarian option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. - To cut calories: Use less oil or skip the cheese. - For added nutrients: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes. This recipe is about keeping it simple and enjoyable. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step! To make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, start with the pasta. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook until al dente. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti, but keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the spaghetti aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz of shrimp. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Now, in the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells good. This step adds a lot of flavor. Add the reserved pasta water, the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well. Bring it to a simmer. This creates a bright sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back into the skillet. Mix everything together. Ensure the pasta is coated with the lemon sauce. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you want. Finally, remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Serve the dish hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! Cooking shrimp correctly is key. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Always cook until they are pink and opaque. This means they are done. Using the right amount of pasta water is also vital. The starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. It adds creaminess to your dish without extra calories. When sautéing garlic, keep an eye on it. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily. A burnt taste is not what we want. While this section does not include images, I suggest taking photos as you cook. Documenting your process can be fun. You can share these with friends or on social media. It helps others see how easy and delicious Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp can be. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To boost the taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. Add lemon zest for a bright kick. A touch of red pepper flakes gives heat. If you like herbs, try adding basil or dill. They pair well with lemon and shrimp. For a richer taste, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top. Cooking shrimp can be tricky. One mistake is overcooking them. Shrimp cook fast, usually in just a few minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. If they curl tightly, you might have cooked them too long. Always season your shrimp before cooking. This adds flavor right from the start. To make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, you need a few key tools. Start with a large pot for boiling the spaghetti. A skillet is great for sautéing the shrimp and making the sauce. Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients. A zester helps you get the lemon zest easily. Finally, a good measuring cup ensures you use the right amount of pasta water. For the full recipe, check out the details in the cooking section. {{image_2}} You can make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp even better by adding vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or zucchini all work well. Simply chop the veggies into small pieces. Sauté them in the same skillet before adding the shrimp. This adds color and boosts the nutrition of your dish. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. More veggies mean more vitamins and minerals for you! If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or corn. Whole wheat pasta is another great choice. It has more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta. Both options work well with the lemon sauce and shrimp. Just follow the cooking times on the package to get it right. For a creamy twist, add some heavy cream or Greek yogurt to your dish. After cooking the garlic, stir in 1/2 cup of cream before adding the lemon juice. This creates a rich and velvety sauce. Greek yogurt can also add creaminess without as much fat. Just mix it in at the end for a tangy flavor. These variations make your Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp even more delightful! Feel free to explore these ideas while trying the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, store leftovers right away. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This will help prevent overcooking. Freezing Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is easy for meal prepping. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into single servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to save space. Mark the date on each bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavors bright and fresh. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. You can use scallops, chicken, or tofu instead of shrimp. Each option brings a unique taste. Scallops cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. Chicken adds heartiness and works well with lemon. Tofu is great for a plant-based choice and absorbs flavors well. To change the spice level, use more or less red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount to test the heat. You can also add fresh chili for a kick. If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes altogether. Yes, you can make this dish without cheese. It will still taste great! Try adding more herbs or a splash of extra lemon juice for flavor. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste if you want a vegan option. Lemon Spaghetti is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish tastes great even after a day or two. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this blog post, we explored a tasty recipe for Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp. We listed key ingredients, offered tips for choosing fresh shrimp, and suggested alternatives for various diets. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and techniques to avoid mistakes. We also shared ways to enhance flavor and discussed pasta variations. Remember, cooking is fun! Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious dish!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/67e93d8a-5298-40de-b434-088f39f70955-250x250.webp)
Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp
Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp—a nutritious and simple dish that's perfect for any occasion! Packed with fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and tender pasta, this recipe is easy to follow, with tips for customization and ingredient swaps. Impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and make it your own!