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You’ve probably heard of chicken piccata but have you ever thought about swapping in shrimp?

Shrimp piccata is a light yet flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and the briny punch of capers.

Tossed with pasta and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors that’s perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or a casual meal at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (your favorite variety)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if desired)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  2. Season and Cook Shrimp (5 minutes): Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Piccata Sauce (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients (3 minutes): Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, and butter to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Finish and Serve (2 minutes): Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the pasta garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

Shrimp piccata is a dish that impresses with its simple elegance and rich flavor profile. For the best results, use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese.

The lemon zest and fresh parsley garnish add a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. This pasta is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables like spinach or asparagus for an extra nutritional boost. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition