Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Linguine Recipe for a Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 37 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 160  C
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

A bright, elegant pasta dish made with juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, lemon zest, and silky linguine tossed in a light olive oil sauce. This Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Linguine is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients
    For the Pasta Base
  • 400 g linguine pasta
  • 4 L water
  • 1 tbsp salt
    • For the Shrimp
  • 450 g shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium to large size)
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
    • For the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (fresh)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 60 ml pasta cooking water (reserved)
    • For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 30 g Parmesan cheese (finely grated – optional)
Instructions
    Cook the Linguine
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt, then cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
    2. Season the Shrimp
  2. 2
    Pat the shrimp dry using a kitchen towel. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and develops flavor without becoming watery.
    3. Sauté the Shrimp
  3. 3
    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
    4. Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
  4. 4
    In the same pan, add remaining olive oil. Lower heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté gently for 30–40 seconds until fragrant, not browned. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes, and reserved pasta water. Stir well to emulsify the sauce.
    5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
  5. 5
    Add cooked linguine to the pan and toss gently until coated with the sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and cook together for 1 minute. Adjust seasoning if needed.
    6. Finish and Rest
  6. 6
    Turn off heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Let the pasta rest for 2 minutes to absorb flavors before serving.
Note
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and dried.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery very quickly.
  • Add extra pasta water if the sauce feels dry.
  • For a richer version, add 1 tbsp butter at the end.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta, seafood recipe, lemon garlic shrimp, Italian-style
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/lemon-garlic-shrimp-linguine-recipe-for-a-quick-and-flavorful-dinner/