Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Few dishes capture the essence of simple, fresh, and vibrant flavors quite like this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine. It’s a symphony of juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and silky butter, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality charm to your table with minimal effort. The balance of buttery richness and bright citrus notes makes every bite irresistible, while the addition of red pepper flakes adds just the right hint of warmth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a go-to whenever you crave something comforting yet light.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings yet elegant enough for special occasions. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, with no complicated sauces or hard-to-find spices. Plus, shrimp cooks in minutes and pairs beautifully with the creamy, buttery sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest. The dish is versatile too—you can easily adjust the spice level or swap out linguine for your favorite pasta. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation, a comforting classic that everyone loves.

Ingredient List

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Large pot – for boiling the linguine
• Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook shrimp and sauce
• Colander – to drain the pasta
• Zester or fine grater – for lemon zest
• Garlic press or knife – for mincing garlic
• Tongs or pasta fork – for tossing linguine with sauce
• Measuring spoons – for butter and spices

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side if you want an added citrus kick. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

If you love dishes with a bright lemon flavor and succulent shrimp, you might also enjoy the creamy richness of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne or the refreshing simplicity of Zesty Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo. For a chicken alternative, check out the flavorful Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Spaghetti.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Pasta: Substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture or dietary need.
• Shrimp: Use scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod if you prefer.
• Butter: Swap for olive oil for a lighter sauce with a fruity note.
• Herbs: Try basil or cilantro instead of parsley for a slightly different herbal twist.
• Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or replace with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their tenderness.
• Burning garlic: Cook garlic on medium heat and watch carefully to prevent it from turning bitter.
• Skipping pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings better to the noodles.
• Not seasoning properly: Salt and pepper are crucial to bring out the flavors of shrimp and the lemon garlic sauce.
• Using pre-peeled shrimp without rinsing: Always rinse and pat dry shrimp to ensure proper seasoning and browning.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce.

Freezing cooked shrimp pasta is not recommended as shrimp texture may degrade. Instead, freeze the cooked linguine and sauce separately if you want to prep ahead. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can affect the sauce’s texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The lemon and garlic flavors will still shine through beautifully.

What type of lemon should I use?

Use fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor. Meyer lemons offer a sweeter, less acidic taste if you want a milder lemon flavor, but regular yellow lemons are perfect and widely available.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can cook the linguine and prepare the shrimp ahead of time, then quickly make the sauce and combine everything just before serving for a fast meal.

Desserts to Finish

• Tangy Lemon Bars – A bright and sweet finish to complement the citrusy shrimp pasta.
• Chocolate Avocado Mousse – Rich and creamy without overpowering the meal.
• Mixed Berry Crumble – A warm, fruity dessert perfect for any season.
• Coconut Rice Pudding – Light and comforting with a hint of tropical flavor.

Time to Try It

Now that you have the recipe, tips, and even dessert ideas, it’s time to bring this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, prep your shrimp and pasta, and watch how quickly this dish comes together. The bright lemon flavor married with buttery garlic shrimp and tender linguine is sure to become a family favorite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises satisfaction every time. Dive in and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors that make this dish truly unforgettable.

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