Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Brings Flavor, Comfort, and Simplicity to Your Table
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that uses simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine Substitute with gluten-free or penne
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, medium or large, tail-off preferred
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil Butter works too, for a richer taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced; always go fresh if possible
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional; for a mild heat
- 2 tbsp lemon juice brightens up the dish
- 0.5 cup heavy cream optional; for a creamy version
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated; adds umami and depth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped; for garnish and freshness
- salt and pepper to taste; adjust to your liking
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Season and cook the shrimp: Pat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until just pink (2-3 minutes per side).
- Make the sauce: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pasta water.
- Optional creamy version: Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Toss everything together in the pan. Adjust seasoning. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and extra cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or asparagus. For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream and use additional pasta water for the sauce.