Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta
A delicious pasta dish that is easy to make after a long workday. It's perfect for feeding the family quickly. I prep my shrimp in advance, so the cooking process is even faster.
A delicious pasta dish that is easy to make after a long workday. It's perfect for feeding the family quickly. I prep my shrimp in advance, so the cooking process is even faster.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 small onion small dice
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 fresh lemon zested and juiced
- 8 oz raw shrimp peeled and sliced (see note below)
- 1/2 block cream cheese cubed
- 1 handfull fresh italian parsley chopped
- Carbohydrate 39.2378657672755 g
- Cholesterol 175.380035490414 mg
- Fat 19.6841317311157 g
- Fiber 2.2232916465799 g
- Protein 20.547006336219 g
- Saturated Fat 11.0073708559496 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (246g)
- Sodium 254.932579292561 mg
- Sugar 37.0145741206956 g
- Trans Fat 2.25717439323532 g
- Calories 407 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, zest the lemon and add the lemon juice. (You can also add zest and juice from a tangerine, small orange, or lime.)
- Cook 8 ounces of pasta (your choice) according to package directions, but cook it two minutes less than suggested. Drain and add the cooked pasta to your shrimp pasta sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add onion, salt, and pepper, and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Add shrimp and sauté until the shrimp firms up and turns white. Add citrus juice and zest, milk, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce comes together. Add parsley and tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are heated. Remove from heat and add Parmesan cheese. Toss and pour onto a serving platter.
Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner after a long day at the office can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta recipe is my go-to weeknight lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and the flavors are simply divine. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, even on the most hectic of evenings. The creamy, garlicky sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, and the bright citrus notes of the lemon add a zesty punch that cuts through the richness.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I prep my shrimp ahead of time – a small investment that pays off big in the long run. I buy whole shell-on shrimp because they are usually the most affordable. Once home, I take the time to peel and then fillet them, creating two identical pieces from each shrimp. This clever technique not only saves time during weeknight cooking but also doubles the quantity of shrimp I can use. Then I freeze them in 8-ounce portions—perfect for quick and easy meals. It's a little bit of meal prep magic that frees up precious time on busy days.
The pasta itself is surprisingly versatile. I've used everything from classic spaghetti to fun shapes like farfalle and rotini, and they all work wonderfully. But my personal favorite? A good quality linguine. It’s got just the right texture to hold the creamy sauce without being too heavy. You can always adjust the type of pasta depending on the flavors and textures you’re looking for.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor. Want a little more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick. Or, if you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option, simply omit the shrimp and add some extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s not just a meal, it's a mood booster. The aroma of garlic and lemon fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The vibrant colors are cheerful and make the dish even more appetizing. And let's be honest, the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious meal for your family after a long day is a reward in itself.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and family, don’t reach for takeout. Instead, try this Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta recipe. It’s a delicious, easy, and heartwarming dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. And trust me, the extra time you save can be used for something else—a relaxing bath, some quiet reading, or just a few moments of peaceful solitude. Because we all deserve a little bit of that at the end of a long day.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, there’s always time for a little bit of culinary magic and a warm, happy family meal. So, gather your ingredients, and let the delicious aroma transport you to a place of comfort and relaxation.
Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And don’t forget the importance of those pre-prepped shrimp! They are truly the secret weapon of this quick and delicious weeknight wonder.
Happy cooking!
