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MediterraneanNon-veg

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Bright shrimp and garlic pasta with chili and lemon.

20 min3 serveseasy

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a classic protein-forward Mediterranean recipe built around spaghetti, shrimp and lemon. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 20 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 20 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on rolling-water boiling, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are spaghetti, shrimp and lemon. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: if seafood is hard to find, firm white fish or even firm tofu can stand in.

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Nutrition · per serving

520

kcal

30g

Protein

60g

Carbs

16g

Fat

seafoodpastaquick

Ingredients

  • spaghettikey300 g
  • shrimpkey400 g
  • lemonkey2
  • garlic5 cloves
  • chili flakes1 tsp
  • olive oil4 tbsp
  • parsley0.5 cup

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~5 min

    Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~5 min

    Sauté garlic + chili in oil 1 min; add shrimp 2 min per side.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~5 min

    Toss with pasta, lemon zest, juice and a splash of pasta water.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~5 min

    Finish with parsley.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 20 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Salt the pasta water generously and save a mug of the starchy cooking water before you drain — a splash thickens any sauce beautifully.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to cook?
From prep to plate, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (spaghetti, shrimp and lemon). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
The headline ingredients are spaghetti, shrimp and lemon. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs naturally with classic mediterranean sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have spaghetti?
If spaghetti is hard to find, look for the closest substitute by texture and cooking time — that matters more than matching the flavour exactly. The dish will still work; it will just lean in a slightly different direction.