The Perfect Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe For Dinner

Whipping up a delectable lemon garlic shrimp pasta brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Silky strands of pasta intertwine with succulent shrimp, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Zesty lemon and aromatic garlic dance together, infusing each bite with bright, bold notes.

creamy sauce coats every morsel, promising a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Quick and simple ingredients combine effortlessly for a meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Comfort meets sophistication in this crowd-pleasing dish that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Savor every forkful and let this recipe become your new weeknight favorite.

Variations On Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Zucchini Noodle Swap: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the creamy sauce intact.
• Spicy Seafood Upgrade: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a kick of heat, and consider using a mix of shrimp and scallops for varied seafood flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine to transform the sauce with Mediterranean-inspired aromatics.

What To Serve With Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Zesty Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this pasta in individual white ramekins, topped with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for an elegant presentation.
• Lunch Meal Prep Magic: Pack portions in sealed containers with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, perfect for a delicious office or school lunch that stays creamy and fresh.
• Beachside Picnic Pleasure: Transfer the pasta to a large container, pack some extra lemon wedges, and enjoy this dish as a sophisticated cold pasta salad during outdoor summer gatherings.
• Rustic Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet with crusty garlic bread on the side, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the communal meal experience.

How To Keep Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce and pasta separate helps maintain better texture.
• Transfer pasta to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid, placing plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure.
• Use shallow containers to help the dish cool faster and more evenly before refrigerating.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly?

Look for a pink color and opaque texture. Shrimp should curl slightly and take about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, which makes shrimp tough and rubbery.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.

• What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal. These pasta shapes help the creamy sauce cling well and provide a nice texture complement to the shrimp.

What Makes Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta So Delicious

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes, combining zesty lemon, tender shrimp, and creamy sauce for a delightful dining experience.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking with a single skillet strategy that reduces cleanup and maximizes flavor by building layers of taste through each cooking step.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the dish to personal preferences by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized gourmet meal that suits any taste.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a sophisticated pasta dish that looks and tastes complex but requires minimal cooking skills, making you appear like a professional chef without hours of preparation.

Ingredients For Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the primary protein for this creamy pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base for the delicious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.

• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: These ingredients combine to create a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps with thickening.
• Garlic: Provides a classic aromatic base that intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Help with cooking the shrimp and creating a smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the final presentation of the dish.

Cooking Directions For Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Prepare the pasta according to the package guidelines. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque. Carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep them ready.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Saute the garlic for about 1 minute until it releases its fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Create Luscious Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, freshly grated lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Gently return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the luxurious sauce.

Add the prepared pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is evenly covered with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamy best.

Tips For Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this creamy pasta dish.
• Control the sauce thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth and cream to suit your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Create a gluten-free option by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
• Enhance the dish's protein content by adding extra shrimp or incorporating grilled chicken as an alternative protein source.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort with Mediterranean coastal flavors. Quick ingredients and simple techniques help create a delightful meal for dinner guests or personal enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Starches:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
3. Sear shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a golden exterior and turn opaque.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter, then gently toast minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
6. Pour chicken broth and create a quick pan sauce by adding heavy cream, freshly grated lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice.
7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
8. Whisk grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely smooth and creamy.
9. Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet and gently fold into the sauce.
10. Add cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
11. If sauce seems thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Opt for large, tail-on shrimp for maximum flavor and a beautiful presentation that adds visual appeal to the dish.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for a richer, more intense cheese flavor compared to pre-grated options.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and broth quantities – less liquid creates a more concentrated, velvety texture perfect for clinging to pasta.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising the creamy, tangy essence of the recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg