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Flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Zesty Creamy Sauce

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A quick and easy lemon garlic shrimp pasta with a zesty creamy sauce that balances tangy brightness and rich creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to combine, then add heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
  5. Slowly whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Add red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. If using cherry tomatoes or greens, stir them in now to warm through.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid steaming. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Stir sauce constantly to prevent scorching. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, lemon pasta, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy lemon sauce

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/flavorful-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-zesty-creamy-sauce/