When you’re craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and elegant enough to impress but easy enough to make on a weeknight, Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the answer. This recipe brings together juicy shrimp, silky pasta, and a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce that’s both light and luxurious.
With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory — a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 servings:
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine (optional but adds depth)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water — it helps create a perfectly creamy sauce later.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels for a nice sear.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp and set aside — don’t overcook; they’ll finish in the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the sauce.
- Toss in the pasta, gently mixing until fully coated.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta while hot and top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for the perfect meal.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — bottled juice can taste flat.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly.
- Want extra richness? Add an extra tablespoon of butter right before serving.
- For lighter version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Garlic bread or roasted vegetables on the side
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for extra warmth
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky texture.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the definition of effortless elegance — bright, creamy, and loaded with garlicky goodness. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Once you try it, it just might become your go-to pasta recipe! 🍝💛
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