Last Minute Lemon Spaghetti and Shrimp: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal

Are you staring blankly into your refrigerator, wondering what to make for dinner after a long day? Do you crave something flavorful and satisfying, but lack the time for elaborate preparations? Look no further! This recipe for Lemon Spaghetti and Shrimp is your answer. It’s quick, easy, bursting with bright, fresh flavors, and perfect for a last-minute weeknight meal. In under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on your table that the whole family will love.

This recipe hinges on the simplicity of good ingredients and a few clever shortcuts. The combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp is a classic for a reason – it’s light, zesty, and incredibly delicious. The spaghetti acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that flavorful sauce, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The bright lemon and garlic sauce complements the sweet shrimp perfectly.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** Requires just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shrimp.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A dish that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is designed to be simple, so you likely already have most of these items on hand:

* **1 pound Spaghetti:** Feel free to use your favorite brand. Gluten-free spaghetti works great too!
* **1 pound Shrimp:** Peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed).
* **1/4 cup Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor.
* **4 cloves Garlic:** Minced. Adjust to your preference, but garlic is key to this dish.
* **1/2 cup Dry White Wine:** (Optional) Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted.
* **1/4 cup Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed is always best!
* **2 tablespoons Lemon Zest:** Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley:** For garnish and added freshness.
* **1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese:** (Optional) For serving.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** (Optional) For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Lemon Spaghetti and Shrimp:

**Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
* Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not crunchy.
* Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
* Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown nicely in the pan.
* Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Create the Lemon Sauce**

* Add the white wine (if using) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add tons of flavor to the sauce. If you’re not using wine, simply skip this step.
* Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir to combine.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

* Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon sauce.
* Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy water will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
* Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest:** The flavor of fresh lemon is far superior to bottled juice.
* **Don’t Skip the Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Use Good Quality Olive Oil:** The flavor of the olive oil will shine through in this simple dish, so use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
* **Use Different Seafood:** If you don’t like shrimp, you can substitute it with other seafood, such as scallops or mussels.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Creamy Lemon Spaghetti:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a creamier texture.
* **Spicy Lemon Spaghetti:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Lemon Herb Spaghetti:** Add other fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, to the sauce.
* **Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti:** Replace the olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
* **Vegetarian Lemon Spaghetti:** Omit the shrimp and add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
* **Lemon Spaghetti with Chicken:** Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken.
* **Lemon Spaghetti with Sausage:** Substitute the shrimp with cooked Italian sausage.
* **Dairy-Free Lemon Spaghetti:** Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.
* **Low-Carb Lemon Spaghetti:** Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of spaghetti.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Spaghetti and Shrimp is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing for pasta dishes.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Grilled Bread:** Grilled slices of baguette brushed with olive oil and garlic.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

While you *can* make the pasta ahead of time, it’s best when freshly cooked. If you do pre-cook the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the shrimp can become rubbery.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used).
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving.
* Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams per serving.
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving.

Enjoy Your Delicious Lemon Spaghetti and Shrimp!

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The bright lemon and garlic flavors perfectly complement the sweet shrimp, creating a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!