Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal when you want something that’s both fresh and satisfying. The zesty lemon and savory garlic bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors in the sauce.
The key to this dish is the garlic butter sauce. It starts with a mixture of butter and olive oil, sautéed with garlic until golden and fragrant. Fresh lemon juice and zest are added to create a bright, citrusy burst that perfectly complements the richness of the shrimp. A touch of white wine (or chicken broth) adds depth to the sauce, while red pepper flakes bring just a hint of heat. Once the shrimp are cooked through, the sauce is tossed with the pasta, creating a creamy, flavorful coating for each bite.
The shrimp should be sautéed quickly to retain their tender, juicy texture. They cook in just a few minutes, making this dish come together in under 30 minutes. The pasta can be anything from spaghetti to linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair – whatever you prefer. The noodles absorb the sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is also easy to customize. You can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to enhance the dish and add color. For extra creaminess, a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream can be added to the sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
This dish is perfect for a light yet filling meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. The balance of fresh lemon, savory garlic, and tender shrimp makes it a favorite that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 100 grams spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 200 grams shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lemon juiced and zested
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This was delicious! The shrimp turned out perfectly cooked.
Lemon and shrimp?? Sounds weird at first but it really worked! Surprising!
I used penne instead of spaghetti and it turned out fine. Not a big deal. Same taste I guess.
I don’t see the point of using different pasta! But hey, if you liked it, that’s what matters! 🤷♂️
My kids actually ate it! That’s a win for me.
Best pasta I’ve ever made!! 🍝😋
Super easy recipe! Will try it again with different pasta next time.
This was amazing! The shrimp were juicy and the lemon gave it a zesty kick. Will definitely make again!
So glad you loved it! 🍤 Lemon really does make everything better!
Quick and easy dinner idea! My kids loved it and even asked for seconds. 👍
Yummy! Needed more garlic tho. I love garlic.
I agree, more garlic would be awesome! It adds so much flavor. This dish is to die for!
Lol, who really needs more garlic? It’s already pretty garlicky if you ask me. But enjoy your food!
Yumm!! 🍝
I don’t know, I followed the recipe but it tasted kinda bland. Maybe I need more garlic?
I accidentally added too much salt and it was super salty. Shoulda paid more attention.
Aww man, salty pasta sounds nasty! I usually just add a pinch and taste as I go, not that hard! 🤷♂️😅
Ah, bummer! Salt can really ruin a dish. Next time, maybe try measuring it out carefully? 🍋
I accedently used shrimp with the shell on 🌊. Messy, but tasted good!
I’m not a fan of lemon in pasta. It was too sour for my taste.
I dunno, my shrimp were rubbery. Maybe I cooked them too long?