Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Zesty Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a delectable lemon garlic shrimp pasta promises an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in mere minutes.

Coastal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of zesty and rich notes.

Succulent shrimp nestle perfectly among silky noodles, delivering a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick yet impressive dinner solution.

Fragrant garlic and bright citrus combine to awaken your taste buds with sophisticated simplicity.

creamy sauce coats each strand, ensuring every bite bursts with incredible depth and character.

Savor this elegant dish that feels like a culinary vacation without leaving home.

What Makes Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta So Good

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match your taste preferences, making this cake a versatile dessert for any baker.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combination: Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the table.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple mixing techniques and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for novice bakers looking to impress without stress.
• Celebration-Ready Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this cake delivers a delicious showstopper that feels special without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a delightful texture and helps carry the creamy sauce.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds a delicate, sweet flavor and protein to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: These ingredients create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp with a luxurious, smooth texture.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: These add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, tangy note that balances the richness of the cream sauce.

• Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to create a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle, fruity undertone.

How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop the pasta into the water and cook according to the package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Grab a large skillet and combine olive oil and butter, heating them together over medium heat.

Introduce minced garlic to the pan, letting it sizzle and release its fragrant aroma. Stir gently to prevent burning and cook until the garlic becomes golden and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Slide the shrimp into the pan with the garlic-infused oil. Cook these sea treasures until they turn a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque.

This typically takes just a few minutes. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the shrimp to a temporary plate, keeping them warm and ready for the final dish.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the same skillet, allowing it to mingle with the existing flavors. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness and grated Parmesan cheese for richness.

Stir the mixture constantly, letting it simmer and gradually thicken into a velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine All Elements

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the waiting pasta.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta gets completely embraced by the creamy sauce. The goal is a harmonious blend where every bite promises maximum flavor.

Step 6: Final Seasoning And Serve

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dish’s overall taste. Give a final gentle stir.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Opt for fresh, large shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture in your dish.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste that elevates the entire pasta.
• Drain pasta just before al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce, preventing overcooking.
• Keep heat at medium to avoid burning garlic and to create a smooth, creamy sauce without separating.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly before adding to maintain bright, zesty notes in the final recipe.

Flavor Options for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Replace garlic with Cajun seasoning and add red pepper flakes for a bold, zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Seafood Pasta: Swap shrimp for mixed seafood like scallops and mussels, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Herb-Infused White Wine Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with white wine, add fresh thyme and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Cream Pasta: Replace shrimp with sautéed mixed mushrooms like shiitake and cremini for a rich, earthy alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Plate this creamy pasta on pristine white dishes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that wows guests.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lunch: Serve in a rustic ceramic bowl alongside a crisp arugula salad and crusty sourdough bread, transporting diners to a seaside Italian cafe.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch, with extra lemon wedges to brighten the flavors when reheating.
• Romantic Date Night Special: Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, dim the lights, and enjoy this luxurious yet simple dish that feels like a gourmet experience at home.

How to Store Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Keep sauce and pasta separately to prevent soggy texture. Store shrimp and pasta in different containers to preserve their individual textures.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze sauce and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain quality. Avoid freezing shrimp as it can become rubbery and lose its delicate texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a combination of milk and cream cheese.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery and dry.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta combines classic Mediterranean flavors in a simple weeknight dinner. Quick ingredients blend seamlessly, offering home cooks a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, reserving some pasta water. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat, around 350°F. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they transform from translucent to vibrant pink and develop a slight curl, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Carefully transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth.
5. Reduce skillet heat slightly and pour in heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Whisk continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Reintroduce shrimp to the creamy sauce, then gently fold in the cooked pasta. If sauce appears too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired texture.
7. Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
8. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, tangy flavors.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle tropical flavor.
• Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and enhance its nutty, mellow taste without turning bitter.
• Choose medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal texture, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce if the mixture seems too thick during final tossing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg