Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 Lemon
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter(optional)
• 1 tsp Dried oregano(optional)
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)
• 6 oz Pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped(optional)
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped(optional)
• 0.5 tsp Salt(optional)
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, zest and juice the lemon. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil (and butter, if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through; transfer to a plate.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes, then add lemon zest and lemon juice.

5. 5

   Add drained pasta to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until glossy, then return shrimp. Toss in parsley and basil and add Parmesan if using. Adjust with more pasta water, salt, and pepper as needed.

6. 6

   Serve immediately with extra lemon and herbs.