The Dreamiest Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Ever

Whipping up a mouthwatering creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside succulent seafood, creating a symphony of flavors that instantly spark joy.

Tender shrimp nestle perfectly among silky strands, promising a meal that feels luxurious yet effortless.

Garlic adds a robust depth, while bright lemon cuts through the richness with precision.

Smooth cream sauce envelops each ingredient, ensuring every bite bursts with harmonious taste.

Weeknight cooking just got an elegant upgrade that impresses without complicated techniques.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Benefits

• Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a delicious, creamy pasta dish in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a sophisticated, restaurant-style dish that looks and tastes impressive, guaranteed to wow friends and family with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian wheat noodle that serves as the foundation for this creamy seafood dish.

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood ingredient that adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the pasta.

• Butter: A rich dairy ingredient that creates a smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent herb that provides a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious dairy product that gives the sauce its creamy and velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds a sharp and salty flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus ingredients that bring a bright, tangy freshness to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A green herb that adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to the final presentation.

How to Cook Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm and ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Add shrimp and cook quickly, about 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and become slightly curled.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes aromatic and lightly golden.

• Heavy cream
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir the sauce continuously until it thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Add the prepared pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is completely coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon zest over the pasta.

Serve immediately while hot, bringing a burst of bright, creamy flavors to the table.

Pro Tips for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Choose large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and quickest cooking time.
• Add lemon zest and juice gradually, tasting to prevent overpowering the creamy sauce.
• Remove shrimp immediately after turning pink to maintain tenderness and avoid rubbery texture.
• Stir Parmesan cheese slowly into warm cream to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Chop parsley right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor release.

Variations to Try for Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• Dairy-Free Seafood Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Pasta Option: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu, maintaining the creamy lemon garlic sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Feast: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the original flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes and swap parsley with fresh basil to create a more intense and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Zesty Lunch Companion: Pack this pasta in a tight-sealing container for a delightful midday meal at work or school.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Serve on a white plate with a crisp white wine, garnished with extra parsley sprigs for a restaurant-quality look.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the creamy pasta's rich flavors.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Offer as a centerpiece dish alongside mimosas and fresh fruit for a sophisticated weekend gathering.

Storage Guidelines for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a pan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously to maintain sauce consistency.
• Skip freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces and shrimp tend to separate and lose texture when thawed, resulting in a less appetizing meal.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear.

• How do I know when the shrimp is properly cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and curls into a “C” shape when fully cooked. Overcooking makes them tough, so cook just until they change color, about 2-3 minutes.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal for this creamy sauce as they help capture and hold the sauce well.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta promises Mediterranean coastal flavors dancing across your plate. Zesty citrus and succulent shrimp blend seamlessly, delivering restaurant-quality comfort right where you savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Primary Starch:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring an al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden cooking surface.
3. Gently sear shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color and develop slight caramelization. Transfer seafood to a separate plate.
4. In the identical skillet, release aromatic garlic and allow it to sizzle briefly, releasing its rich essence.
5. Pour heavy cream into the pan, incorporating lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Reintroduce seared shrimp into the creamy mixture, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Fold cooked pasta into the shrimp and sauce, ensuring each strand becomes completely enrobed in the decadent cream sauce.
8. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest across the surface.
9. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce consistency.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent excess moisture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg