This tasty Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil by Giada is prepared using linguine, fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, and peppery arugula. This quick and satisfying Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil recipe is a dinner that takes about 35 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 to 6 people.

Recipe Ingredients

Lemon Oil:

• ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon

Pasta:

• 1 pound of linguine
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 shallots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound of fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 3 ounces of arugula (about 3 packed cups)
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

How To Make Giada Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

1. Prepare the Lemon Oil: Mix the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon zest in a small bowl. Let it sit so the flavors blend while you make the pasta.
2. Cook the Linguine: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine and cook until it is soft but still slightly firm, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every now and then. Drain the pasta, saving 1 cup of the cooking water for later.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes until they are soft and smell good. Keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Put the shrimp into the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they turn pink and are no longer see-through. Stir them now and then to make sure they cook evenly.
5. Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the pasta is coated and the flavors blend well. Turn off the heat and add the arugula, letting it wilt from the heat of the pasta.
6. Finish with Lemon Oil: Strain the lemon oil over the pasta using a fine mesh sieve, and throw away the lemon zest. Add the chopped parsley and mix everything well. Serve right away while it’s hot for the best taste.

Recipe Tips

• Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the shallots and garlic while sautéing. This will give the dish a nice spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Substitute Spinach for Arugula: If you don’t have arugula, you can use fresh spinach instead. It will wilt in the same way, providing a similar texture with a slightly milder flavor.
• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier version, substitute the linguine with whole wheat pasta. It will add extra fiber and a nutty flavor, while still pairing well with the shrimp and lemon.
• Add Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the finished dish before serving for an extra layer of savory flavor. The cheese will complement the lemon and shrimp beautifully.
• Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp: If you are short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add them at the end, with the pasta, and warm them through for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Pasta With Chicken Ragu Recipe
• Giada Spaghetti With Clams
• Giada Lighter Macaroni and Cheese