Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful blend of traditional Italian flavors with a refreshing twist. The succulent shrimp are sautéed in fragrant garlic and zesty lemon, perfectly complementing al dente pasta. It's a light yet satisfying dish that brings together the best of seafood and pasta, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the lemon garlic sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.