Print

Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Pasta

A close-up of a serving of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Flavor, topped with parsley and lemon zest.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A fast and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until a light sauce forms that coats the pasta.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
  10. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the lemon juice.
  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice changes the flavor profile significantly.
  • If you do not want to use wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-with-lemon-flavor/