How to Make the Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Italian-American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This bright and satisfying lemon garlic shrimp pasta comes together in under 30 minutes making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Juicy shrimp are tossed with linguine in a silky butter and lemon sauce that tastes far more indulgent than it is.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 whole lemons zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Saute the Shrimp
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest before serving immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- linguine pasta → spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- fresh parsley → fresh basil for a sweeter herbal note
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp which makes them rubbery and tough
- Not reserving pasta water which helps emulsify and loosen the sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 32g protein, 54g carbs, 14g fat, 2g fiber.
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