Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta proves that a handful of fresh ingredients can create an impressive meal in under 30 minutes. Sweet, juicy shrimp pair perfectly with fragrant garlic, fresh lemon, and tender spaghetti to produce a light yet satisfying dinner. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavour with very little effort.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings Portions

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

400 g spaghetti
400 g king prawns raw peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic finely minced
1 large lemon zest and juice
1/6 bunch flat-leaf parsley Fresh finely chopped

Pantry Ingredients:

Instructions

Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente.
400 g spaghetti
While the pasta cooks, pat the prawns dry with kitchen paper and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
400 g king prawns, Salt, Freshly ground black pepper
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat.
3 tbsp olive oil
Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for about 1½ to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and keep warm.
400 g king prawns
Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not allow it to brown.
4 cloves garlic
Finely zest the lemon directly into the pan, then squeeze in the juice. Stir everything together to create a fresh, light sauce.
1 large lemon
Reserve about 100ml of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the frying pan and toss well so every strand becomes coated in the lemon and garlic sauce.
If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
Return the prawns to the pan together with most of the chopped parsley. Toss gently for one minute until everything is hot.
1/6 bunch flat-leaf parsley
Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, black pepper or chilli flakes if desired.
Salt, 1 pinch chilli flakes, Freshly ground black pepper
Divide between warmed serving bowls and scatter over the remaining parsley before serving with extra lemon wedges.

Equipment

Notes

Suggestions:

Serve with warm crusty bread, a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. A chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with fresh lemon also complements the dish beautifully.

Tips:

Do not overcook the prawns or they will become tough.

Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavour.

Reserve some pasta water, as it helps create a silky sauce.

Add freshly grated Parmesan if you are not keeping to the five-ingredient theme.

Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon just before serving for even more freshness.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan with a splash of water. This dish is best enjoyed freshly cooked and is not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition