Creamy Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta 🍋🧄🦐
This elegant yet easy pasta dish is packed with juicy shrimp, golden garlic, and a buttery lemon‑Parmesan finish. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant‑worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Introduction
When you want something both satisfying and simple, this pasta delivers. Succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, a hint of red pepper (if desired), and a bright splash of lemon combine with spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) and finish with Parmesan and fresh parsley. In this article you’ll find:
• A full ingredient list and step‑by‑step instructions
• A chef‑style tip (from Chef Gordon Ramsay) to elevate your technique
• Health & safety considerations to keep in mind
• A nutrition & benefit table with measurements
• 10 detailed FAQs to answer your questions
• Internal links to related articles on www.freshtonerhungar.com
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or linguine — 8 oz
- Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) — 1 lb
- Unsalted butter — 3 Tbsp
- Olive oil — 2 Tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced) — 5
- Red pepper flakes (optional) — 1 tsp
- Paprika — ½ tsp
- Black pepper — ½ tsp
- Salt — ½ tsp (or to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese — ½ cup
- Fresh parsley (chopped) — 2 Tbsp
- Lemon juice — from ½ a lemon
Why These Ingredients?
The spaghetti or linguine provides a long, elegant base that catches the buttery sauce well. Large shrimp get a quick seasoning (paprika, salt, pepper) to boost flavour and colour. Olive oil + butter create a rich medium for sautéing the garlic without burning it, while also forming a silky sauce base. Garlic and red pepper flakes bring aroma and mild heat. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Parmesan gives savoury depth and helps the sauce cling; parsley adds fresh colour and a flavour contrast.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the deveined shrimp with the paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Sear the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 2 Tbsp of the butter. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook about 1‑2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Bring it all together: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, the remaining tablespoon of butter, the Parmesan cheese and the lemon juice. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen and help it cling.
- Garnish & serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot. Optional extra: a little more Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon at the table.
Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Pro Tip
“When you’re cooking shrimp and pasta together, timing is key. The pasta shouldn’t sit while you finish the sauce—have everything ready. Once the shrimp go back into the pan with the pasta, take it off the heat almost immediately so the shrimp don’t over‑cook. And always keep some pasta water handy—those starches can save your sauce.”
Health & Safety Considerations
- Shrimp doneness: Shrimp cook extremely quickly—typically 1‑2 minutes per side for large shrimp. They’re done when they’re opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Over‑cooking turns them rubbery. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Avoid burning garlic: Garlic can burn rapidly and develop bitter flavours. Add it after the high‑heat shrimp step and keep heat moderate. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Salt & seasoning: Because Parmesan and shrimp already carry salt, taste before over‑salting. Also reserve pasta water instead of draining everything—this can help you adjust salt and texture. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Serve immediately: The sauce is delicate and best when freshly made. Letting it sit too long may cause separation or dryness. Many lemon‑garlic shrimp pasta recipes emphasise serving soon after tossing. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Nutrition & Health Benefits Table
| Ingredient | Approximate Quantity | Key Nutrients & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti (8 oz ~ 225 g dry) | ~225 g dry | Provides carbohydrates for energy; if using whole grain, adds fibre. |
| Shrimp (1 lb ~ 450 g) | ~450 g | High‑quality lean protein; contains selenium, B12, and low in calories compared to many meats. |
| Butter (3 Tbsp ~ 42 g) | ~42 g | Adds richness and fat‑soluble vitamins, though saturated fat—moderation advised. |
| Olive oil (2 Tbsp ~ 30 ml) | ~30 ml | Monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health. |
| Garlic (5 cloves ~ 15 g) | ~15 g | Contains allicin and compounds linked to potential cardiovascular and immune benefits. |
| Lemon juice (½ lemon ~ 15 ml) | ~15 ml | Vitamin C, brightness in flavour, low in calories. |
| Parmesan cheese (½ cup ~ 50 g) | ~50 g | Calcium, protein; adds savoury depth. Watch sodium content. |
Note: Because this dish uses butter and cheese, consider pairing with a fresh vegetable side (such as steamed broccoli or a green salad) to add fibre and balance the meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it hits flavour, texture and speed:
• The shrimp are cooked quickly so they remain tender rather than chewy.
• Garlic and olive oil/butter create a fragrant base that isn’t heavy.
• Lemon juice and Parmesan give both brightness and savoury richness.
• Pasta water is used to tie the sauce together, helping it cling to the noodles. For example, food writers emphasize reserving pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• The timing is tight—everything comes together in about 20‑30 minutes, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
If you’d like more pasta inspiration, check out our article on creamy seafood pastas and weeknight skillet dishes on www.freshtonerhungar.com.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Add veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or asparagus for colour and fibre.
• Swap the protein: Use scallops, chicken strips or even firm tofu instead of shrimp.
• Garnish options: Add extra Parmesan, lemon zest, or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
• Serving suggestion: Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread; pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a complete feel.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—but ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry so they sear rather than steam. Patting dry helps improve texture.
• Use the same seasoning but reduce any liquid around shrimp before cooking. - What size shrimp should I buy?
Large shrimp (for example 16‑20 or 21‑25 count per pound) are ideal because they hold up well in pasta and don’t overcook too quickly. Many recipes prefer “large” shrimp for this reason. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} - Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—while long pastas like spaghetti or linguine are elegant, you can use penne, fusilli or even gluten‑free variations for dietary needs. Ensure cooking time matches the shape.
• Use same sauce technique; adjust quantity for shape if needed. - How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They turn from translucent grey to opaque pink and form a loose “C” shape (avoid tight “O” shape – that signals overcooking). Many guides emphasise watching colour and shape. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} - My sauce seems too dry—what should I do?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water—this starchy water helps the sauce bind to pasta and loosen the texture. Many lemon garlic pasta recipes stress reserving pasta water for this exact reason. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} - Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and garlic sauce ahead, but combine pasta only just before serving to keep texture fresh. The sauce is best served freshly tossed. Leftovers can be stored but pasta may absorb sauce and shrimp texture may change. - How do I lighten this dish?
Use whole wheat or gluten‑free pasta for extra fibre; reduce butter by half and rely more on olive oil; skip some of the Parmesan or use a lighter cheese; increase vegetable ratio.
• Many nutrition‑conscious recipes use just olive oil, garlic and lemon to keep it light. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} - What garnish works best?
Chopped fresh parsley is classic for colour and freshness. You could also add lemon zest, a sprinkle of extra‑virgin olive oil, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Some recipes add baby spinach or kale for colour and nutrition. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} - Is this dish good for entertaining?
Yes—it looks elegant, comes together quickly, and uses accessible ingredients. You can prep parts ahead (shrimp seasoning, pasta water) and finish just as guests sit. Many bloggers present lemon‑garlic shrimp pasta as perfect for dinner parties. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} - What sides or beverages go well with this pasta?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, grilled or steamed asparagus, or garlic bread are great sides. For beverages, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish’s brightness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dinner you’ll want to make again—quick, flavorful and satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family or guests, the balance of garlic, lemon, shrimp and pasta creates a memorable meal. With the tips, variations and FAQs above, you’re ready to make a version that suits your taste and schedule.
For more pasta‑based meals, seafood inspirations, and weeknight winner ideas, browse the additional recipes on www.freshtonerhungar.com. Enjoy every luscious forkful! 🍽️
