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To make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Fresh ingredients bring bright flavors to this dish. Using fresh shrimp and basil makes the meal shine. Fresh lemon juice enhances the taste, while cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Pantry staples like spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic create a solid base. You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but fresh will always taste better. If you can't find some ingredients, don't worry! Here are some substitutes: - Shrimp: Try chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Spaghetti: Any pasta type will work, like linguine or fettuccine. - Olive oil: Use butter or avocado oil for a different flavor. - Cherry tomatoes: Substitute with diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes. - Basil: Fresh parsley or arugula can add unique flavors. Feel free to experiment with these swaps to make the dish your own! The full recipe can guide you on how to put it all together. First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Set it aside for later. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp next. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they start to blister. This step really brings out their flavor. Now, return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a nice sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and gently mix in the fresh basil. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. For serving, plate the pasta in shallow bowls. To make it look great, garnish each serving with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Finish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds flavor and a lovely touch to your dish. Enjoy the full recipe for more details! To get the best shrimp, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp with a mild smell. They should look moist and shiny. When cooking, make sure the skillet is hot. This helps the shrimp cook fast and stay juicy. Cook them just until they turn pink. They will turn tough if overcooked. For a creamy sauce, use the reserved pasta water. Start by adding a little at a time. This gives you control over the sauce thickness. You want it to coat the spaghetti well but not drown it. The lemon juice adds brightness, so don’t skip that. Toss everything together, so the flavors mix well. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad. A simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon is great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice crunch. For drinks, try a chilled white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon flavor perfectly. For more tips and a detailed process, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Cook it the same way as regular spaghetti. The lemon and shrimp flavors will still shine through. If you want more protein, try chicken or scallops. Cook them just like the shrimp. You can also use firm tofu for a vegetarian option. It adds a nice texture and soaks up the lemon flavor well. Add new flavors to your dish with simple tweaks. Try using capers for a salty bite. A splash of white wine can add depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish. For a spicy kick, use more red pepper flakes. Each change can create a new twist on this classic recipe. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! After enjoying Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, let the leftovers cool down. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any sauce separation, don’t worry. Just mix it before reheating. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to help with moisture. Toss the pasta gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place the spaghetti in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it even. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Pack the cooled spaghetti and shrimp in a freezer-safe container. Keep it sealed tight to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal any time! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! You can swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even tofu. Each choice brings a new taste. Chicken works well; just cook it fully. Scallops add a sweet flavor, while tofu gives a nice texture. If you want a veggie option, try using mushrooms or zucchini. Both will soak up the lemon and garlic flavors nicely. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and shrimp, then cool them down. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat everything together. The fresh flavors stay delicious, but the dish might need a little extra lemon juice. Absolutely! Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is great for meal prep. You can pack it in individual containers. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days. Just keep the cheese separate until serving. This way, you keep the pasta fresh and tasty. For a quick meal, just reheat and enjoy! For the full recipe, check the link. To sum up, we explored key ingredients for lemon spaghetti with shrimp. We discussed fresh versus pantry staples and shared good substitutes. The step-by-step guide made the cooking process clear and simple. Our tips ensure perfect shrimp and delicious sauce. Variations let you adapt this dish to your taste. We also covered smart ways to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can make a great meal and impress your guests. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your lemon spaghetti!

Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp recipe! It's easy to whip up and features fresh flavors that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Impress your family or guests with a meal that's as beautiful as it is tasty. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to make a delightful dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the spaghetti aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to blister.

          Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked spaghetti, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a desired sauce consistency.

            Remove from heat and gently mix in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve the pasta warm, with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, garnishing each serving with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a vibrant look.