Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Over Pasta

It's great to have a handful of quick and easy recipes that you can easily turn to when you're pushed for time. Like most typical Sundays, today I spent the day busy with church, chores, football, grocery shopping, and homework, so I decided to dig into my recipe book for a quick and easy, yet oh-so-good, recipe for dinner.  

Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp over Pasta

(Adapted from Chili's Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp) 

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Shrimp:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley 
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme

Pasta:

• 1/2 pound whole wheat spaghetti noodles
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Garnish:

• chopped cilantro
• lime wedges

Directions

Shrimp:

1. Mix seasonings in a small bowl -- salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, parsley, paprika, onion powder, and thyme.
2. Remove tails from shrimp. (Because the shrimp is being served over pasta, I think that removing the tails make it easier to eat. If you're making only the shrimp, you can leave the tails on.)
3. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and shrimp to skillet.
5. Cut lime in half and squeeze both halves on shrimp.
6. Sprinkle seasoning over shrimp and mix so that all pieces are evenly covered with seasoning. 
7. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp is cooked through.

Pasta:

1. Boil water. 
2. Salt water.
3. Add pasta.
4. Stir occasionally. 
5. Follow package instructions for cooking times - cook until al dente.
6. Remove from heat and drain pasta.
7. Return to pot - don't return to heat. 
8. Drizzle to coat with olive oil.

Plate:

1. Plate, dividing pasta into 4 servings.
2. Top each plate with equal portions shrimp.
3. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedge. 
4. Enjoy!