Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Zesty, garlicky, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes! Tender shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce and tossed with al dente pasta, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of Parmesan for a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta recipe checks all the boxes:
Quick and easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
Full of flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a flavor explosion, while the shrimp adds a succulent touch.
Family-friendly: It’s sure to be a hit with everyone, even picky eaters.
Versatile: With a few tweaks, you can customize the dish to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. They’re ready as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan will make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice or pre-grated Parmesan if you can.
Balance the flavors: The lemon adds brightness, while the Parmesan and cream bring richness. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.
Pasta water is your friend: The starchy water from the pasta helps thin out the sauce without making it watery, and it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Variations You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as-is, here are a few fun ways to change things up:
Make it gluten-free: Simply swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.
Add vegetables: Toss in some baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus for added color and nutrients.
Make it lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter.
Swap the protein: Don’t like shrimp? You can substitute it with chicken, scallops, or even salmon.
How to Serve Pasta Shrimp Parmesan with Lemon and Garlic
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts would make excellent sides.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough.
Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them quickly by running cold water over them in a colander.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep some components in advance, like cooking the pasta and shrimp. However, the sauce is best made fresh to ensure it stays creamy and smooth.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that coconut milk will slightly alter the flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a spicier kick, or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta - Zesty, garlicky, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes! Tender shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce and tossed with al dente pasta, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of Parmesan for a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz dried spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juice and zest
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or more)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and just done (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the shrimp mixture. Toss until coated, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a platter and finish with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a light, vibrant meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 470Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 267mgSodium 1456mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 35g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
This Pasta Shrimp Parmesan with Lemon and Garlic recipe is a beautiful balance of rich, creamy flavors with a burst of citrusy freshness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. The versatility of the recipe allows you to tweak it according to your taste, so feel free to get creative with add-ins and variations.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
