Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

• ½ pound thick spaghetti
• 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 lemon juiced
• 4 tablespoons salted butter

Seafood

• 1 pound extra large shrimp peeled and deveined

Garnishing

• fresh chopped parsley
• fresh cracked black pepper
• shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes. The pasta may not be fully cooked but will continue cooking later. Do not drain the pasta; reserve the pasta water for the sauce.
2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cracked black pepper and roast for 2 minutes to release its aroma. Grate the garlic cloves into the pan and stir, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Carefully pour ½ cup of reserved pasta water into the pan, stirring well. The water will steam and boil, so handle with care.
4. In a bowl, mix the grated parmesan cheese with ¼ cup of pasta water and the lemon juice, stirring until the cheese is slightly melted and forms a smooth sauce.
5. Remove the pasta from the water with tongs and add it to the frying pan. Pour in an additional ½ cup of pasta water and stir. Add a pinch of black pepper and toss to coat. Stir continuously for 3 minutes to finish cooking the pasta and allow flavors to meld.
6. Push the pasta to one side of the pan, add the butter to the empty side, and let it melt. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, then flip and cook for another 1 minute until they turn opaque white and reach an internal temperature of 145 °F.
7. Switch off the heat but keep the pan on the burner to retain warmth.
8. Pour the prepared cheese mixture into the pasta and stir thoroughly to evenly coat all strands.
9. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, more cracked black pepper, and shredded parmesan cheese over the pasta.
10. Serve immediately, adding salt to taste if desired.
11. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Use fresh cracked black pepper for best flavor and aroma.
• Do not drain the pasta water completely; it is essential for creating a creamy sauce.
• The pasta should finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavors and liquid for perfect texture.
• Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid toughness.
• Adjust salt at the end since parmesan and butter already add saltiness.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g