Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a bright, flavorful sauce for a meal that’s both impressive and simple. The zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter create a perfect balance that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an elevated dish that requires minimal effort – exactly what you need for those busy weeknights when you still want something special.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Additional lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil. Toss to coat the pasta.
7. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Notes

• Shrimp: For best results, use fresh shrimp, but frozen (thawed) works well too.
• Pasta Variations: You can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer – fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne work great.
• Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the butter by half, replacing with more olive oil.
• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Calories: 450 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 780mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g

This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta was automatically generated and published via the WordPress REST API integration with our Laravel-based recipe generation app on July 9, 2025 – 09:38.