Description
Mediterranean Lemon Shrimp Pasta showcases zesty flavors and elegant simplicity. Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a delightful weeknight meal for pasta enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150 grams (5.3 oz) dry linguine, cooked
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- ⅓ cup white wine or vegetable stock
- ¼ cup heavy cream or cream from a can of coconut milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon juice to taste
- Splash of starchy pasta water
- Chilli flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Meld butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until glossy and heated, creating a foundational flavor profile.
- Shrimp Preparation: Sear shrimp for 60-90 seconds per side, achieving a vibrant pink hue and translucent texture, then transfer to a separate plate to preserve their delicate nature.
- Aromatic Enhancement: In the same skillet, bloom minced garlic and red pepper flakes, releasing their intense aromatics and distributing flavors throughout the cooking surface.
- Liquid Reduction: Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing it to simmer and concentrate, developing a rich and complex sauce foundation.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk together heavy cream, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice, transforming the liquid into a smooth, harmonious sauce with bright, citrusy undertones.
- Final Assembly: Reunite the seared shrimp with al dente pasta, incorporating reserved pasta water and gently tossing to ensure each element is luxuriously coated in the creamy, zesty sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish that elevates the visual and flavor profile of the meal.
Notes
- Shrimp Searing Tip: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain tender and maintain a juicy, translucent pink color without becoming rubbery.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a small amount of starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta and enhances overall flavor integration.
- Wine Reduction Technique: Allow white wine to simmer and reduce by half, concentrating its flavors and creating a rich, depth-enhancing base for the creamy sauce without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Add chopped parsley just before serving to bring a bright, fresh element to the dish, providing a crisp contrast to the rich, creamy sauce and adding a vibrant visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg