Looking for a light yet indulgent meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect choice. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant lemon-garlic butter sauce, then tossed with al dente pasta for a refreshing yet comforting dish. With just a handful of ingredients, this quick and easy recipe will have you feeling like you’re dining at a coastal bistro in no time.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine.
Toss the Pasta
: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic-lemon sauce. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup, and toss the pasta to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water if needed.
Combine and Serve
: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve
: Plate the pasta and shrimp, then garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a light, zesty meal.
Tips for Success
Shrimp Cooking Time: Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a couple of minutes per side to be perfectly tender.
Pasta Alternatives: Swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred. You could even use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
Make it Creamy: For a richer dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese after the garlic and lemon are cooked.
Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach, arugula, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the bright, zesty kick of lemon with the richness of garlic butter. The shrimp add a succulent, savory bite, while the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce. Fresh parsley and Parmesan take it over the top, making it the perfect balance of light and indulgent. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.