Looking for a quick, elegant meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a luscious cream sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner made right in your own kitchen. The bright citrus notes perfectly balance the richness of the cream, creating a dish that’s indulgent but not heavy.
Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Serve it with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a full, satisfying meal.
🍤 Why You’ll Love This Pasta:
- Quick and easy—perfect for weeknights.
- A rich, creamy sauce brightened with fresh lemon.
- Protein-packed with juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Elegant enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a regular night in.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil or butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium, pour in the heavy cream, and stir well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add the Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and light, rich and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s guaranteed to impress—and likely become a new favorite.