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–+ servings
Close-up of Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta tossed with lemon zest and parsley in a dark skillet.

Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

This recipe provides instructions for making lemon butter shrimp pasta, starting with brining the shrimp for better texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 561
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For brining the shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp 21/25 count 454g
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
Remaining ingredients
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti 227g
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 60g
  • 6 cloves garlic sliced
  • 2 cups reserved pasta water will most likely not need all of it (480g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 56g
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large pan
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. Place the shrimp and remaining brining ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Wait 10 minutes before sauteing.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta to 1-minute less than al dente.
  3. Heat a large pan to medium heat with the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the shrimp and saute for about 3 minutes or until done (when the shrimp are firm and pink). Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Add the garlic to the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden. If the pan is dry, add a touch more olive oil.
  5. Add a 1/2 cup of pasta water to the pan. Also, add the butter and the almost-cooked pasta. Cook for 1 minute tossing to coat well so the sauce absorbs and clings to the pasta. Add the shrimp, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and toss/mix again.
  6. Turn off the heat and taste test. Make final adjustments to salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. If the pasta becomes too dry add a couple more ounces of pasta water. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 561kcalCarbohydrates: 32.8gProtein: 32.4gFat: 33.6gSaturated Fat: 10.7gCholesterol: 311mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 297mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 2mg

Notes

The recipe easily doubles or triples. Always reserve extra pasta water in case the pasta dries out while sitting or waiting to serve. Salt is kept to a minimum so adjust according to taste. Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave. Shrimp does not reheat well.

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