Pasta con Gamberi e Limone: A Flavorful Italian Delight
Pasta con Gamberi e Limone
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, skillet, tongs, and a zester or grater.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup of white wine optional, for added flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the shrimp, stirring well to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the lemony sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrients.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes capture the essence of summer like Pasta con Gamberi e Limone. The combination of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. This recipe is not only easy to make but also elegant enough for a special occasion. From my own personal experience, the burst of citrus paired with the sweetness of the shrimp makes every bite a delight. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish.
Notes on What to Expect
This dish is light, flavorful, and quick to prepare. The balance of lemon brightness and the savory taste of the shrimp will make your taste buds dance. Expect a slightly tangy and fragrant sauce that beautifully clings to the pasta, making each bite delightful.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400
- Cost of Ingredients: $12-$15 (depending on shrimp size and pasta brand)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, skillet, tongs, and a zester or grater.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Gamberi e Limone now.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup of white wine (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Gamberi e Limone now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the shrimp, stirring well to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the lemony sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrients.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Gamberi e Limone now.
Tips and Substitutions
- Shrimp Size: Use medium or jumbo shrimp for more substantial bites. Frozen shrimp can also work; just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Gamberi e Limone now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Gamberi e Limone seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>