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At the heart of Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta lies the freshness of its ingredients. The beauty of this dish is that it features simple yet high-quality components that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this tantalizing dish:

Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Brighten up your dinner table with Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta, a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer! Combining succulent shrimp with a tangy lemon butter sauce, this recipe is both light and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it's easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. With fresh ingredients like garlic, parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes, every bite is a taste of sunshine. Bring joy to your mealtime with this vibrant paring of flavors!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side 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 remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Stir well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

              Serve: Plate the Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta warm, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

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