Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Zest

Indulge yourself in the delightful world of Italian cuisine with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Zest recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked linguine, succulent shrimp, and a velvety garlic cream sauce, all enhanced by a fresh burst of lemon. It’s a quick and elegant meal that can impress guests or satisfy a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the linguine.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Add Heavy Cream: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream. Use a spatula to scrape any bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
2. Stir in Cheese and Lemon: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix with Pasta: Add the drained linguine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
2. Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
• Pasta Cooking: Make sure not to overcook the linguine; it should have a slight bite to it. The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce.
• Cream Sauce: For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, and a glass of chilled Chardonnay. For a delightful finish, serve with lemon sorbet or a light panna cotta.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to add color and nutrition to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Cooking should be a delightful experience, and this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Zest offers an excellent opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

For more inspiration, check out Easy Pasta Recipes or Cooking with Garlic. Don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations and thoughts with others. Happy cooking!