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Seafood pasta dishes hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world, and for good reason. The combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant lemon, and rich butter creates a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Among the myriad of seafood pasta recipes, Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta stands out as a delightful option that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence, yet it possesses an elegance that makes it suitable for special occasions as well. The balance of freshness from the shrimp and lemon with the comforting nature of pasta makes this recipe a must-try for home cooks of all skill levels.

Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Transform your weeknight dinners with the delightful Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines succulent shrimp, fresh lemon, and rich butter for a flavor experience that's both comforting and elegant. Perfect for any occasion, you'll love the vibrant taste and satisfying texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. Elevate your meals with this refreshing seafood pasta that captures summer in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the bits from the bottom of the skillet.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until combined, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings