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Savory Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

savory lemon garlic shrimp pasta - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with bright lemon zest and juice, tossed with spaghetti for a flavorful and impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Extra lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (28 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in white wine or chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Return shrimp to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce needs loosening.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and toss again. Remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to avoid watery sauce. Cook shrimp quickly to prevent rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce for silky consistency. Butter can be substituted with olive oil for dairy-free version. White wine can be replaced with chicken broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, lemon garlic shrimp, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, garlic butter shrimp, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta