Spring Dinner Party Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)

Succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and garlic over whole wheat pasta, ideal for bright, easy spring gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti or linguine
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Shrimp

03 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Sauce and Aromatics

07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
09 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
11 - Juice of 2 lemons, approximately 1/4 cup
12 - 1/4 cup dry white wine
13 - 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
02 - Pat shrimp dry and season evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until cooked through and pink. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Lower heat to medium in the same skillet. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Stir in red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and white wine. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
05 - Add lemon juice and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time as needed until sauce lightly coats noodles.
06 - Return shrimp to the skillet. Add chopped parsley and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties
  • Light and fresh flavors that showcase the best of spring ingredients
  • Simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress guests
  • Pescatarian-friendly and easily adaptable for various dietary preferences
  • Uses wholesome whole wheat pasta for added nutrition without sacrificing taste
02 -
  • Use the largest shrimp you can find for the most impressive presentation and easiest cooking
  • Save time by buying pre-peeled and deveined shrimp from your seafood counter
  • Toast the garlic gently—it should be golden and fragrant, never brown
  • Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference; avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed
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