If you are craving a dish that feels like a bright, fresh hug on a plate, this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of perfectly cooked linguine, succulent shrimp, and a luscious lemon-garlic sauce that’s both tangy and buttery. What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances bold flavors with a simple preparation, delivering a meal that’s elegant enough for dinner guests yet easy enough for a weeknight feast. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick pasta dinner that impresses, this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe has got your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so memorable.
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up the sauce beautifully while providing just the right bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the shrimp to perfection.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and juicy every time.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a savory depth and irresistible aroma.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the freshness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Bursts of citrusy brightness that brighten each bite.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds tang and balances the richness of butter.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta, lending a creamy, umami goodness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce, making it silky and luxurious.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous finish that adds color and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors together.
How to Make Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the linguine or spaghetti until it’s al dente according to the package instructions. Reserving about half a cup of the pasta water before draining is a crucial detail; it helps to loosen the sauce later so everything marries perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it starts to shimmer. Lay your shrimp in a single layer so they brown evenly, cooking them just 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp is easy, so keep a close eye. Remove them and set aside while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant, never burnt. Add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, butter, and the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the butter melts into a silky, tangy sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated, warmed through, and the cheese starts to melt, binding the sauce. Taste and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley for that gorgeous pop of green freshness.
How to Serve Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra parsley or basil leaves brighten up the dish beautifully and add a fresh aroma. A few extra lemon zest shavings or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp salads such as a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus complement the rich flavors of this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also a great partner to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each plate with a lemon wedge for an added citrus burst on the side. You could also toss in halved cherry tomatoes or baby spinach right before serving to add color and a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the shrimp may become slightly firmer the next day, but reheating gently helps reintroduce moisture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal since the pasta and shrimp textures may change after thawing. If you choose to freeze leftovers, wrap tightly in airtight containers and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat your Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at a lower power setting. Adding a splash of water or broth keeps the sauce from drying out and helps maintain that silky texture we love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure they sear nicely.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices because they hold the sauce well and offer a great texture, but feel free to use fettuccine or even penne if you prefer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but they are optional. You can easily leave them out for a completely mild but flavorful dish.
Can I make this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free while still delicious.
How can I add more veggies to the dish?
Great question! Toss in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus during the final step to sneak in extra nutrients and vibrant colors.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy fresh seafood and pasta with a bright, lemony twist that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s quick enough for busy nights yet brilliant enough to share with friends or family. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your ultimate go-to meals whenever you want something effortless but truly special.
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Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a bright and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, lemon, and butter, tossed with linguine and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a harmonious blend of tangy citrus and savory seafood flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Finishing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and reserved pasta water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine and finish: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and grated Parmesan cheese back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and thoroughly heated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or an additional tablespoon of butter during the sauce preparation step.
- This dish pairs well with a handful of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes stirred in during the final toss for added color and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
