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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining zesty lemon, buttery richness, and tender shrimp in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound of shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add 8 ounces of dry spaghetti or linguine, pressing strands gently to submerge. Cover with lid and cook, stirring halfway, until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, juice of 1 lemon, and lemon zest. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Add cooked shrimp back to the pan along with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir and warm through for another 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; pull them out when just pink and let residual heat finish cooking. Stir pasta gently and cover to trap steam for even cooking. If liquid absorbs too quickly, add a splash of hot water. Fresh lemon zest is key for bright flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter shrimp pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, lemon pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/