Easy Seafood Recipes for Beginners: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta with the shrimp and sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Remove from heat, mix in the fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.