Print

Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

quick lemon garlic shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful shrimp pasta dish ready in just 15 minutes, featuring bright lemon, garlic, and buttery sauce for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for the pasta water
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 9–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3-4 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let garlic burn!). Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan, stirring until melted. Add juice of 1 large lemon and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Stir to combine. If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Return shrimp to the pan, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together with tongs or a pasta fork so each strand is coated with the buttery lemon garlic sauce. Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, and season with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Plate immediately with extra parsley or lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Keep shrimp warm but avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Dry shrimp before cooking for better sear. Add lemon zest first to butter to avoid bitterness. Salt pasta water well for better seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp pasta, 15 minute meal, garlic shrimp, lemon pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/quick-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-15-minutes-easy-dinner-idea/