Description
This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful meal made with buttery garlic sauce, fresh lemon juice, and tender shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a light yet satisfying dish ideal for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: base that absorbs the lemon-garlic sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: tender and juicy seafood protein
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: adds richness and silky texture to the sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil: prevents butter from burning and adds flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: provides bold aroma and depth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: gives a bright, fresh flavor
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: adds a touch of heat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: adds color and freshness
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: enhances overall flavor
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: helps emulsify the sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining butter to the skillet, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — bottled juice can taste flat.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and should remain tender.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- For a creamy variation, add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, lemon pasta, easy shrimp recipe, seafood pasta, Italian dinner, light pasta dish