Shrimp and Pea Spring Pasta
This Shrimp and Pea Spring Pasta is fresh, bright, and SO EASY! Sweet peas, juicy shrimp, and lemony sauce tossed with spaghetti make a perfect spring meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Microplane or fine grater
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Spaghetti dried
- 1 pound Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Peas fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil extra virgin
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled, deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss everything together, then add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss well to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen for best texture.
- Fresh peas elevate the flavor, but frozen peas save prep time and work well.
- Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce without cream or butter.
- Try adding a pat of butter when finishing for richer flavor.
- Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.