Shrimp Lemon Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz shells
• to taste Salted water, for boiling
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• to taste Black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• to taste Black pepper
• to taste Grated Parmesan (optional)
• to taste Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Method

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear shrimp in olive oil 1–2 minutes per side; set aside.
3. Gently sizzle garlic in olive oil until pale gold.
4. Stir in lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper; turn off heat.
5. Toss drained pasta with sauce, loosening with pasta water as needed.
6. Serve warm; top with Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.