Description
Succulent Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with zesty elegance. Quick weeknight magic meets gourmet satisfaction when bold garlic, tangy lemon, and tender shrimp dance together in a luxurious sauce you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Starches:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until butter melts completely.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they turn vibrant pink and develop a slight golden exterior.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and juiciness.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Whisk gently to create a smooth, fragrant sauce.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and integrates seamlessly.
- Reintroduce seared shrimp to the creamy sauce, gently coating each piece with the luxurious mixture.
- Combine reserved pasta with the shrimp and sauce, tossing delicately to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon zest for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Select medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent watery texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg