Dinner Recipe

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Juicy shrimp, garlic, lemon, parmesan, and fresh herbs tossed with pasta for a bright, simple dinner that feels fresh and restaurant-worthy.

25 mins Easy Dinner
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Reserved pasta water
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.

2

Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through.

5

Transfer the shrimp to a plate so they do not overcook while you prepare the sauce.

6

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.

7

Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and a small splash of reserved pasta water. Stir to lift any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well so the noodles are coated in the lemon garlic sauce.

9

Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and add more pasta water as needed until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.

10

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently for 30–60 seconds, just until warmed through.

11

Stir in fresh parsley, then taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or parmesan if needed.

12

Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra parmesan, and a light sprinkle of parsley on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is bright, simple, and full of fresh flavor. It feels elegant enough for a weekend dinner but is quick enough to make on a busy weeknight.

  • Ready in about 25 minutes
  • Fresh lemon garlic flavor
  • Light but satisfying
  • Restaurant-worthy without being complicated

Ingredient Notes

Shrimp cook very quickly, so they are perfect for fast dinners. Patting them dry helps them sear instead of steaming.

Fresh lemon juice and zest give the pasta brightness, while parmesan and pasta water create a light, silky sauce without needing heavy cream.

Tips For The Best Shrimp Pasta

  • Do not overcook the shrimp or they may become rubbery.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining the noodles.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Add parmesan off lower heat so it melts smoothly.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, asparagus, basil, chili flakes, or swap shrimp for scallops or grilled chicken.