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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delightful and comforting dish combining succulent shrimp and creamy pasta, perfect for quick family meals or festive gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz spaghetti Feel free to substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Shrimp
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp elevates the dish; frozen works in a pinch—just thaw before cooking.
Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds rich depth; don’t substitute with garlic powder.
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced and zested This brings that bright, zesty punch; you can add a little extra zest if you love lemon.
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth) For added flavor to the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream Makes it indulgent; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Fresh herbs make all the difference; use basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
  • Salt and pepper To taste, enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
  • Olive oil For cooking; a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds an aromatic finish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  2. You’ll know they’re ready when they curl slightly.
Adding Garlic
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Take care not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can quickly become bitter.
Building the Sauce
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine, allowing this to bubble for another minute.
  2. You’ll notice the kitchen starts smelling divine at this stage!
Incorporating Cream
  1. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to create a luscious, creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combining Pasta and Shrimp
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and toss everything gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serving
  1. Plate the pasta and garnish with more parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for that extra touch.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.