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Seafood Pasta Dish

Spaghetti Chitarra with Lemon & Shrimp

Fresh square-cut egg pasta tossed in a foaming butter & lemon emulsion with succulent shrimp, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh parsley.

PREP TIME 10 min
COOK TIME 5 min
SERVINGS 1
DIFFICULTY Easy

Mediterranean Freshness & Seafood

Fresh handmade spaghetti chitarra, succulent shrimp, cold butter, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice & zest, garlic, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

SERVINGS:
1
STEP 01 / 06

Quick Boiling Water & Foaming Butter Base

Drop the fresh handmade spaghetti chitarra directly into rolling salted boiling water — it needs only 90 to 120 seconds. Meanwhile, heat extra virgin olive oil and cold butter in a wide stainless steel skillet until gently foaming.

⚡ 90 SECONDS

Al Dente Timing

Fresh egg chitarra cooks at lightning speed. Pull it out slightly underdone so it finishes cooking directly inside the lemon-butter sauce.

STEP 02 / 06

Searing Succulent Shrimp in Golden Butter

Add cleaned shrimp into the shimmering butter and olive oil. Sear on medium-high heat for about 60–90 seconds per side until they turn vibrant pink, tender, and caramelized on the edges.

🦐 DO NOT OVERCOOK

Tender & Plump

Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery. Remove the pan from high heat as soon as they curl into a loose 'C' shape.

STEP 03 / 06

Pasta Transfer, Minced Garlic & Fresh Parsley

Lift the spaghetti chitarra directly from the boiling pot into the skillet, bringing along a splash of starchy cooking water. Toss in finely minced garlic and a generous handful of chopped fresh Italian parsley.

🧄 RAW AROMATICS

Gentle Garlic Infusion

Adding garlic along with pasta water prevents it from browning or turning bitter, releasing pure, fragrant aroma into the sauce.

STEP 04 / 06

Fresh Lemon Juice, Parmigiano & Emulsion Mantecatura

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, scatter grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and vigorously toss and swirl the skillet. The lemon acidity, dairy fat, and starchy water whip into a glossy, velvety emulsion that clings tightly to every strand.

🍋 CITRUS BALANCE

The Science of Emulsification

Vigorous tossing binds water and melted butter into a stable sauce without separating, while lemon brightens the rich seafood notes.

STEP 05 / 06

Artisan Pasta Nest & Seafood Presentation

Twirl the creamy spaghetti firmly using chef tongs and lay an elegant, structured golden pasta nest onto the plate. Carefully crown the apex with the succulent seared shrimp and spoon over the remaining velvety emulsion.

🔒 PRO TIP

Crown with Shrimp & Build Height

Never pour shrimp onto the plate together with the pasta — they will get buried under heavy strands. First twirl a tall, structured nest with the spaghetti using chef tongs, then crown the apex individually with the golden shrimp and spoon over the glistening emulsion.

🍽️ PLATING ART

Keep the Plate Warm

A warmed ceramic plate ensures the delicate butter-lemon emulsion stays silky and doesn't congeal during serving.

STEP 06 / 06

Parmigiano Shower, Grated Lemon Zest & Final Serve

Finish with a generous flurry of freshly grated 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, finely chopped parsley, and aromatic microplaned lemon zest over the steaming pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant taste of the Italian coast!

🔒 PRO TIP

Unwaxed Organic Lemons (Amalfi / Sorrento)

Commercial supermarket lemons are coated with polyethylene wax and fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole. For pasta where zest is the soul of the dish, use strictly certified organic, unwaxed lemons — only untreated peel yields sweet, pure essential oils without chemical bitterness.

✨ FINAL TOUCH

Microplane Lemon Zest

Finely grating fresh lemon zest right above the hot pasta releases essential citrus oils into the steam, creating an irresistible aroma.

CRAFTED FROM

Fresh Spaghetti alla Chitarra

Square-cut egg pasta pressed through taut steel strings on a wooden frame:

CRAFTED FROM

Fresh Spaghetti alla Chitarra

Square-cut egg pasta pressed through taut steel strings on a wooden frame:

FULL STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE

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