This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta in a light and flavorful sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Combines simple, fresh ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal.
- Versatile enough for a family dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
- Balanced flavors of citrus, garlic, and seafood that pair beautifully.
- Customizable with different pasta types, vegetables, or spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- Lemon (zested and juiced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper
Directions

- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, lemon juice, and zest, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
- Cheese: Top with grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Protein Options: Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great choices, but any pasta will work.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
5. Can I substitute the broth with something else?
You can use white wine or simply water as an alternative.
6. Is this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace the butter with additional olive oil.
7. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque; avoid overcooking as they can become rubbery.
8. Can I add cream to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of heavy cream can create a creamy lemon sauce.
9. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil if not adding it to the sauce immediately.
10. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.
Conclusion
Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its fresh, zesty flavors and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Experiment with the variations and enjoy this easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress!
PrintLemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a light, zesty dish that combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a refreshing lemon butter sauce. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Add the parsley, lemon zest, and more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and extra parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use white wine in place of some of the pasta water.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.