One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Is A Culinary Gem
Who doesn't love a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? It combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let's dive into the full recipe, complete with ingredients, measurements, step-by-step procedures, and some chef pro tips and kitchen hacks that will elevate this dish to chef status.
Key Takeaways:
Quick and Flavorful:This one-pot recipe saves time and reduces cleanup. The combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp creates a mouthwatering dish.
The Toolbox: Make sure you have the necessary utensils and equipment needed before you start, if not no worries they are just a click away!
"KitchenRIZZ": Add some "chaRIZZma" to your Kitchen game" with these Chef tips and Kitchen hacks to level up this recipe!
Ingredients and Measurements
Before we get our hands dirty, let's gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 12 ounces of your choice (spaghetti or linguine works best)
- Lemon: 1 large, zested and juiced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Spinach:
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Tool Box: Necessary Tools and Equipment
To make this dish, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment:
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta and combining all ingredients.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Zester: (optional) For zesting the lemon *see "KitchenRIZZ"
- Garlic Press: To mince the garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Tongs: For handling the shrimp.
- Shrimp Deveiner Tool: (optional)
Note: We hope these recipes bring joy to you and your loved ones. We are Proud Brand Ambassadors and Amazon Associates. We may earn compensation on qualifying purchases of cooking equipment through our links at absolutely no extra cost to you!
Step-by-Step Procedures
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp from the store.
Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
The chicken broth not only cooks the pasta but also infuses it with flavor. Once the pasta is cooked, use a colander to drain it, but reserve about a cup of the broth for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In same pot heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. The combination of olive oil and butter creates a rich base for our sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
The lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
The cheese will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, luscious sauce. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Elevate Your Dish
Adding Vegetables
To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, Squash and Zucchini or asparagus would be excellent additions.
Simply sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the shrimp.
Add a Splash of White Wine
For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.
This adds a subtle depth to the dish that will make your guests think you've been to culinary school.
Wine Pairing
Pairing your dish with the right wine can elevate your dining experience. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir would also work well.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture. Always cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This texture will hold up better when combined with the other ingredients.
Summary
One-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. With fresh ingredients, the right tools, and a few chef tips and kitchen hacks, you can elevate this dish to chef status. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Total Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
This recipe serves 4:
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~30g
Macronutritional Highlights
- Protein: Shrimp and Parmesan cheese provide a solid protein boost.
- Carbs: Mainly from the pasta.
- Fats: Olive oil, butter, and Parmesan cheese contribute to the fat content.
Micronutritional Highlights
- Vitamin C: From the lemon juice.
- Calcium: From the Parmesan cheese.
- Iron: From the shrimp.
- Vitamin A: From the parsley.
Dietary Recommendations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with more olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of added salt.
Recipe Breakdown
🚨"KitchenRIZZ"🚨
Add some "chaRIZZma to your Kitchen Game" with these Hacks and Pro Tips from a Chef to elevate this One-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the flavor of your dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will elevate the taste to a whole new level. If possible, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Quick Garlic Peeling
Peeling garlic can be a tedious task. To make it easier, place the garlic cloves in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 15 seconds. The skins will loosen, making them easier to peel. Alternatively, you can crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skins.
*Zesting Without a Zester
If you don’t have a zester, you can use a fine grater or even a vegetable peeler. Just be careful to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter. A microplane grater works wonders for zesting and can be used for grating Parmesan cheese as well.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp is always preferable for the best texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to create a delicious one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta. With detailed steps, chef tips, and kitchen hacks, you’re well on your way to making a dish that’s both easy and impressive. Happy cooking!
Keep Calm, Cook and Sip...
Have Fun...Smile...Be Happy - KDII
"We hope these recipes bring joy to you and your loved ones. We are Proud Brand Ambassadors and Amazon Associates. We may earn compensation on qualifying purchases of cooking equipment through our links at absolutely no extra cost to you!