Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, kissed with bright lemon zest, studded with succulent shrimp, and punctuated with a bold black pepper kick. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and satisfy your cravings with this incredible lemon pepper shrimp spaghetti that promises maximum flavor in minimal time!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- spaghetti
- shrimp
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- black pepper
- olive oil
- garlic
- parsley
- salt
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by peeling and deveining shrimp, zesting and juicing one lemon, mincing fresh garlic, and chopping fresh parsley.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cleaned shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drain cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add cooked shrimp to the pasta, then incorporate lemon zest, lemon juice, and additional olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce and ensure even coating.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional black pepper, and a final squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp throughout the dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always select fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Perfect Pasta Technique: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Shrimp Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture - about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Sauce Secret: Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Zest and Juice Balance: Use both lemon zest and juice for a multi-dimensional citrus flavor profile.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley adds color, freshness, and a professional finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
