Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, bright, and comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, offering fresh, vibrant flavors with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a cohesive sauce later.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then sauté until pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Create the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat and add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir well to combine, then gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  4. Combine with Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the noodles are fully coated in the lemon garlic sauce with shrimp. Add chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy fresh and warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubberiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind and thicken the sauce for a smooth texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for vibrant, authentic flavor.
  • Keep garlic lightly cooked to prevent bitterness.
  • Add fresh parsley at the end to keep flavors bright and herbs fresh.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, weeknight meal, gluten-free pasta option

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta/