Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti – 168 calories per portion
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of olive oil – 60 calories per portion
- 1 pound (450 grams) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 120 calories per portion
- Salt to taste – 0 calories
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of crushed red pepper flakes – 6 calories per portion
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced – 4 calories per portion
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chicken broth – 5 calories per portion
- Zest and juice of one large lemon – 4 calories per portion
- 1/2 cup (25 grams) of chopped fresh parsley – 11 calories per portion
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 22 calories per portion
Total calories per portion: 400 calories
Method
- First, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Then, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and the red pepper flakes, and cook until the shrimp turn pink. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Then, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant. This should take about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in the cooked spaghetti. Make sure to coat the spaghetti well with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the lemon garlic shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Simple and mouthwateringly-good, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect meal for a busy weekday. Packing a flavor punch with minimal ingredients, this recipe will become your new favorite in no time!
The combination of lemon and garlic gives a tangy and aromatic kick to the pasta, while the shrimp adds a succulent touch.
Paired with a fresh salad and a glass of white wine, this pasta will transport you straight to the Italian coastline!
A healthier take on lemon garlic shrimp pasta
To create a healthier version of our beloved lemon garlic shrimp pasta, start by choosing whole grain pasta over regular pasta for an added boost of fiber and nutrients.
You can also consider substituting half of the pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb alternative.
When it comes to the shrimp, ensure they are grilled or broiled instead of fried to cut down on unnecessary fats.
Lastly, reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe and consider using olive oil which is a heart-healthy alternative.
Storing your lemon garlic shrimp pasta
Once your mouthwatering lemon garlic shrimp pasta has been prepared, it can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure to store it in an airtight container to prevent any smell contamination in your fridge.
To reheat, warm it in the microwave, making sure to give it a good stir to distribute heat evenly.
If, however, you’ve prepared the sauce and pasta separately, they can be stored individually for up to four days.
Pairing suggestions for lemon garlic shrimp pasta
To complete your meal, our lemon garlic shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add some color and crunch.
If you’re looking to complement the flavors in the pasta, consider serving it with a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
These wines harmonize beautifully with the lemon and garlic notes in the pasta, taking your meal to a new level of deliciousness.