Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, zesty meal that comes together in a flash and feels like a celebration of fresh flavors, you’re going to love this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a beautiful dance of tender shrimp, vibrant lemon, and silky pasta all tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce with just a hint of red pepper heat. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful, satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week. Whether it’s a family meal or entertaining friends, this recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it hits all the right notes with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is straightforward and essential, bringing its own magic to the plate. From the juicy zest of lemon that wakes up the whole dish to the garlic that lends a warm aroma, each component plays a part in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce perfectly.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, quick-cooking and naturally sweet, adds a wonderful texture.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: A fragrant base for sautéing garlic and shrimp, infusing the dish with richness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings bold, savory depth that complements the lemon beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon: Bursts of citrus brighten every bite and tie together the seafood and pasta.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the warm pasta, lending a salty, nutty finish.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs add color and a clean, slightly peppery note.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all those fresh flavors.
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and bind everything together.

How to Make Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta until just al dente will ensure it holds up nicely when tossed with the sauce. Once cooked, save a little of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret ingredient for making the sauce silky and smooth.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and, if you fancy, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque—a sure sign the flavors have been locked in and they’re perfectly tender.

Step 4: Add Lemon Zest and Juice

Now the fun part: stir in the lemon zest and juice to infuse the shrimp with a fresh, citrus punch. The lemon flavor brightens the entire dish and complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and give everything a good toss to combine. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches a nice, glossy consistency that coats every strand.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. The cheese melts into the dish, adding creamy, savory notes, while parsley brings a fresh, herbal lift and a pop of lovely green color.

How to Serve Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To really make your Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe shine, top it off with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or some lemon slices on the side. A handful of more chopped parsley or a drizzle of good quality olive oil boosts the visual appeal and adds fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli to add a bit of earthiness and crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Lemon Shrimp Pasta in individual shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch. A light dusting of cracked black pepper over the top adds subtle texture and a mild heat that’s irresistibly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the shrimp with the pasta to maintain flavor, but add fresh lemon juice when reheating to revive the brightness lost during storage.

Freezing

While freezing shrimp pasta isn’t usually recommended because the shrimp can become rubbery, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately if you want to prepare ahead. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked or thawed shrimp when serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming tough. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley after warming always perks things up.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, angel hair pasta works great for a lighter feel, and even penne or farfalle can bring a fun twist. The key is using a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?

Of course! The red pepper flakes are optional and only add a subtle heat that can easily be omitted without sacrificing any of the fresh, lemony flavor that makes this dish so special.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply leave out the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be vibrant and flavorful thanks to the garlic, lemon, and shrimp.

Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp works well if fresh shrimp isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure it sautés evenly and doesn’t steam in the pan.

Can I add cream to make the pasta sauce richer?

Definitely! For a creamier take, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream along with the lemon juice. It adds a luscious texture without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — bright, fresh, and irresistibly tasty. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests, making it a versatile go-to in my kitchen. Don’t wait to add this recipe to your collection — I’m confident it will become one of your favorites too!

Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 41 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-American dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are sautéed with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, then combined with al dente pasta, fresh lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for a bright, zesty finish.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

Shrimp and Sauce

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Finishers

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Add Lemon and Pasta: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice into the shrimp. Then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine well. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until well mixed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use angel hair pasta for a lighter texture.
• Substitute chicken for shrimp if preferred.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream with the lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American