Introduction
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Parsley is a fresh, vibrant, and elegant dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender shrimp tossed with al dente pasta. The light sauce is made by blending olive oil, butter, lemon juice, and garlic, creating a refreshing coating that allows the shrimp and pasta to shine.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet sophisticated enough for a dinner party. The addition of fresh parsley adds color, fragrance, and an earthy freshness that complements the citrusy shrimp beautifully.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, yet tastes gourmet.
- Light but satisfying: Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this dish feels fresh and wholesome.
- Flavorful: The combo of lemon, garlic, and shrimp is unbeatable.
- Beautifully versatile: Perfect for weeknight family dinners, date nights, or even meal prepping.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- A restaurant-style pasta that’s simple to make at home.
- Combines bright citrus flavors with savory garlic.
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients but feels special.
- Great option if you love seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~430 kcal
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian-inspired
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or linguine, fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Sauté shrimp with olive oil until pink.
- Make lemon-garlic butter sauce.
- Toss pasta with shrimp, sauce, and parsley.
- Serve hot with Parmesan (optional).
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with sauce.
- Add shrimp back in and pour in a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with Parsley:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley and toss everything together.
- Serve:
- Plate immediately, garnished with Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve
- Serve hot, with a wedge of lemon on the side for extra zest.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- For drinks, serve with chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc).
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery if cooked too long.
- Save pasta water—it helps bind the sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also use basil for a twist.
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer dish.
- Spicy Version: Use extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Freezing: Not recommended (shrimp and pasta can lose texture when frozen).
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet (for shrimp and sauce)
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Zester (for lemon zest)
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Parsley is a light, zesty, and satisfying dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and seafood goodness, making it a must-try recipe for pasta and shrimp lovers alike. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish always delivers a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Parsley
Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Parsley is a fresh, vibrant, and elegant dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender shrimp tossed with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Shrimp
For the Sauce
Garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
-
Cook the Shrimp : In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce : In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
-
Combine Pasta and Shrimp : Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with sauce.Add shrimp back in and pour in a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
-
Finish with Parsley : Sprinkle fresh parsley and toss everything together.
-
Serve : Plate immediately, garnished with Parmesan if desired.
