Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright, velvety delight with tender shrimp and zesty lemon, ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Zester or microplane
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti the perfect pasta to soak up the luscious sauce
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for that golden sear and depth of flavor
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream creates that silky, dreamy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest packs a punch of lemony brightness
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice for that fresh citrus tang
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat to elevate the flavors
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
Instructions
Directions: Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Add the red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick. This will help coat every strand of spaghetti perfectly.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the beautiful combination of creamy, tangy, and garlicky flavors!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; cook just until pink and opaque for the best texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles perfectly.
- For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut or cashew cream.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavor and balance the richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.