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Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Spaghetti

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A light and invigorating dish featuring succulent shrimp in a zesty lemon butter sauce, served over spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 21/25 count)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 fresh lemons (for zest and juice)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 to 1½ cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large skillet or non-stick pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and about ½ cup of chicken or vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta, ensuring every strand is coated in the sauce.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the pasta. Add the fresh lemon zest and the chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently until the shrimp are warmed through.
  8. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or lemon zest.

Notes

Pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad or garlic bread. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish well.

Nutrition

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