Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp (21/25 count, cleaned and dry)
• 0.5 tsp baking soda (for brining)
• 0.25 tsp crushed hot red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 0.5 lb spaghetti
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more if pan is dry)
• 6 garlic (cloves, sliced)
• 2 cup reserved pasta water (will most likely not need all of it)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
• 0.25 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley (minced)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the shrimp, baking soda, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt into a bowl and mix well. Wait 10 minutes before sauteing to allow the brine to work.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti to 1-minute less than al dente.

3. 3

   Heat a large pan over medium heat with the extra virgin olive oil. Once shimmering, add the shrimp and saute for about 3 minutes or until done (when the shrimp are firm, pink, and opaque).

4. 4

   Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside tented with foil to keep warm.

5. 5

   Add the sliced garlic to the same pan and saute for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden. If the pan appears dry, add a touch more olive oil.

6. 6

   Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta.

7. 7

   Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan with the garlic. Add the butter and the almost-cooked pasta.

8. 8

   Cook for 1 minute, tossing or flipping the pan to emulsify the water and butter so the sauce absorbs and clings to the pasta.

9. 9

   Add the cooked shrimp, minced parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan and toss to mix thoroughly.

10. 10

    Turn off the heat and taste test. Make final adjustments to salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. If the pasta becomes too dry, add a couple more ounces of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.

Notes

The baking soda trick helps ensure the shrimp stay plump and firm. Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave, though shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. For a finishing touch, you can add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• seafood
• pasta
• shrimp
• lemon
• garlic
• quick
• weeknight dinner