Irresistible Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Whisking together a magical culinary journey, this creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire every delectable bite of this elegant dish.

Succulent shrimp dance among silky noodles, creating a symphony of tangy and rich sensations.

Garlic and citrus notes weave through each forkful, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet impressive recipe that speaks directly to your inner chef.

You are about to unlock a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home, prepare to be amazed.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Hits Every Bright, Savory Note

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Whip up this delectable pasta in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious yet quick meal.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic pantry staples like shrimp, pasta, and cream into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap protein options like chicken or add vegetables to suit personal tastes, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to different preferences.
• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: Enjoy a rich, luxurious sauce that coats every pasta strand, delivering a satisfying blend of tangy lemon and savory garlic flavors in each bite.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

• Shrimp, Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Fresh shrimp adds protein, while pasta creates a hearty base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta. Full-fat cream provides the best flavor and consistency.

• Garlic Cloves, Lemon, Salt, Pepper: Garlic brings depth, lemon adds brightness, salt and pepper balance the overall taste. Fresh garlic gives the most robust flavor, and use freshly ground black pepper.
• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Parmesan adds salty depth, parsley provides fresh garnish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated.

• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Cooking Overview

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions.

Once the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, drain it thoroughly in a colander and set aside while you prepare the magical sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Warm a large skillet over medium heat.

Add olive oil and butter, letting them melt together into a golden combination.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its incredible aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Cook the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque.

Once cooked, gently remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside momentarily.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the same skillet.

Stir the ingredients together, allowing them to blend and simmer.

Watch as the sauce gradually thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy, developing a rich and tantalizing consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood Delight

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Add the previously prepared pasta and gently toss everything together.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Garnish

Elevate the dish by sprinkling fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the top.

This final touch adds brightness and a burst of fresh flavor that will make the meal absolutely irresistible.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Easy Sauce Tips

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
• Simmer the cream sauce slowly to achieve the perfect thickness without burning.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness and avoid rubbery texture.
• Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative or use gluten-free pasta for a sensitive diet.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Save and Reheat with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Consume reheated pasta within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture. Discard if stored longer than 2 days to ensure food safety.

Savory Sides for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Savor Crisp Chardonnay Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and enhances the rich, lemony seafood flavors with its smooth, oak-aged profile.
• Serve Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's richness and add bright, fresh contrast.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, golden garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy pasta's silky smoothness.
• Recommend Pinot Grigio: Select a light, citrusy Pinot Grigio that cuts through the cream and highlights the shrimp's delicate flavor with its crisp, refreshing notes.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Notes

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with pan-seared tofu or roasted chickpeas, seasoned similarly, to provide a plant-based protein option while keeping the lemon garlic sauce intact.
• Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Base: Use cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrates and align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use less butter to reduce calories while maintaining good flavor.

• What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Linguine, fettuccine, and angel hair pasta are excellent choices that hold the creamy sauce well and complement the shrimp perfectly.

• How can I tell if my shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn completely pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one irresistible dish. Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a silky sauce that wraps tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta in delightful harmony.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in salted water according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm location.
2. Create a flavor base by melting butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without browning.
3. Slide succulent shrimp into the fragrant pan, seasoning generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Cook until the seafood transforms into a vibrant pink hue and becomes opaque, indicating perfect doneness. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Deglaze the skillet with rich heavy cream and bright lemon juice, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, thickening to a luxurious consistency.
5. Reunite the perfectly cooked shrimp with the silky sauce, then fold in the reserved pasta. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together to ensure each strand is magnificently coated.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering freshly chopped parsley and delicate lemon zest across the top. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and the sauce maintains its creamy texture.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp cooks quickly to prevent rubbery texture, aiming for just pink and slightly curled.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra depth if you enjoy a spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg