Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Spring, Summer
Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe balances tangy citrus with creamy textures for a refreshing yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients
    For the Pasta
  • 400 g spaghetti (or linguine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling water)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
    • For the Shrimp
  • 500 g large shrimp (peeled & deveined, tails optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    • For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, fresh)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
    • For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Extra lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
    Prepare the Pasta
  1. 1
    Boil water in a large pot with salt and olive oil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 0.5 cup pasta water for later use. Set aside.
    2. Season and Cook the Shrimp
  2. 2
    Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
    3. Build the Creamy Sauce
  3. 3
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking until the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
    4. Combine Pasta & Shrimp
  4. 4
    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Return shrimp to the skillet and mix until everything is evenly coated.
    5. Garnish & Serve
  5. 5
    Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Note

Pasta Choices: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best, but penne can be used for a chunkier bite.

Shrimp Prep: For extra flavor, leave tails on. For convenience, use tail-off.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out.

Variations:

  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture.
  • Swap shrimp with chicken breast strips for a different protein.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, shrimp recipe, Italian-inspired, family-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/creamy-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe/