Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

$To make the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 2 limes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The pasta serves as the base, while the shrimp adds protein. Olive oil brings richness. Garlic and red pepper flakes provide warmth and flavor. Lime zest and juice give a fresh kick that brightens each bite. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, and cilantro brings freshness. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you like cheese, grated Parmesan is a tasty finish. Gathering these ingredients ensures you have everything to make this dish a hit! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. You want to cook the spaghetti or linguine for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will give you that perfect al dente texture. Check the package for exact times, as they can vary. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook them for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. This step adds flavor and color. Then, combine the lime zest and juice. Stir everything together to mix the flavors well. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta and the last tablespoon of olive oil. If you need more moisture, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently until it’s well mixed and coated. Cilantro is a key ingredient in this dish. It adds a fresh, bright taste. Stir in the chopped cilantro right at the end. This way, it stays vibrant. Don’t forget to taste your dish. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Usually, this takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they curl tightly, they may be overdone. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be firm to the touch but still tender. To boost flavor, try adding fresh basil or parsley. You can also use a hint of cumin for warmth. For lime adjustment, taste as you go. If you like it tangy, add more lime juice in small amounts. The zest adds depth, so don’t skip it! You can prepare the pasta in different ways. For a quicker method, use a microwave-safe bowl to cook it. Skillet cooking is great for one-pan meals, while a pot works for larger servings. Skillets allow for better browning, but pots can give more even cooking for pasta. Choose based on your needs! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor. Dried herbs and bottled lime juice won't provide the same vibrant taste. Cooking Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Pasta Water Magic: Save some pasta water! Adding a splash of it to the sauce can help create a silky texture that binds everything together. Customize Heat Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference. For a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, you can change the pasta. Try gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or chickpea pasta. Both work well with the dish’s fresh flavors. For the shrimp, you can use chicken or tofu. Chicken gives a heartier bite, while tofu adds a nice plant-based twist. To make this dish plant-based, leave out the shrimp. Instead, use a mix of vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are great choices. Sauté these veggies until they soften. This adds texture and flavor to the dish. You can still use lime juice and zest for that bright, zesty taste. Want to change the flavor? You can use different citrus fruits. Try lemon or orange juice for a fresh twist. Each brings a unique taste that pairs well with the other ingredients. Also, think about swapping herbs. Instead of cilantro, use parsley or basil for a new profile. Both herbs offer fresh and vibrant notes to your dish. To store your leftover Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta, use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose quality. Always check for any off smells before eating. Yes, you can freeze Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta! This is a great way to save it for later. To properly freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. The pasta can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. If you use the microwave, cover the dish to keep it from drying out. Check the pasta often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal with fresh flavors intact! You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink. They should also be opaque and firm to the touch. The shrimp should curl into a C shape. Avoid overcooking, as this makes them tough. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. This quick cooking time helps keep them juicy and tender. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb flavors better. Frozen shrimp may need a minute more cooking time since they start colder. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta pairs well with simple salads. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. Try a side of roasted vegetables for more flavor. Garlic bread is great for dipping, too. You could also serve it with a light fruit salad. This adds sweetness and balances the dish. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently to avoid overcooking. To serve, mix them back with the pasta and sauce. This way, you keep all the flavors fresh. This dish combines simple ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and lime for a fresh meal. We covered cooking pasta, sautéing shrimp, and making a vibrant sauce. I shared tips to avoid overcooking shrimp and ideas for tasty variations. Don’t forget about storage and reheating tips to keep leftovers tasty. With these steps, you can enjoy a flavorful dish any day. Explore your own twists, and happy cooking!$

A refreshing pasta dish with shrimp, lime, and cilantro.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 zest lime
2 limes juice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste salt and black pepper
optional Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the lime zest and juice, stirring to combine.
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and a little reserved pasta water if needed for moisture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Plate the pasta warm, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

Keyword cilantro, lime, pasta, shrimp