If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors, indulgently creamy textures, and quick enough for any weeknight, then this Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It perfectly balances zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, tender shrimp, and smooth Parmesan cream, all tossed with pasta for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about the Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is how the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays an important role in building the vibrant flavors, luscious texture, and appealing look of this dish.
- 8 ounces pasta: Spaghetti works beautifully, providing a perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound shrimp (31-40 count, peeled and thawed): These deliver tender, juicy bites that are the star protein of the dish.
- Zest and juice of one lemon: Adds bright citrus notes that cut through the richness and keep the dish fresh.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for that silky, buttery richness in the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses a savory punch that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings gentle herbaceous warmth that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Fundamental for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce further.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A pretty pop of green and fresh aroma to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Begin by boiling a large pot of well-salted water. This is key because properly salted pasta water seasons the noodles from the inside out, which makes all the difference in flavor. Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to the package instructions so it has that ideal slight bite, then drain but reserve about a tablespoon of the pasta water for later—trust me, you’ll want it.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemony Cream Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let this lively combination bubble gently for about five minutes. This step is crucial because the ingredients meld together here to create that vibrant, lush sauce that defines the Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the flour, a little at a time, making sure to constantly whisk to avoid lumps. This technique thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency that will cling beautifully to the pasta and shrimp.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir it through the sauce. The cheese adds not only delicious umami flavor but also helps the sauce thicken further and develop that irresistible silky texture.
Step 5: Simmer and Adjust Thickness
Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for an additional five minutes, stirring often. This gives it time to thicken just right. If it’s not quite thick enough yet, let it simmer a little longer. The perfect sauce isn’t rushed!
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce
Gently add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for about five minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the sauce has reached your desired thickness. This final simmer allows the shrimp to absorb the garlicky lemon cream flavors, creating tender, juicy bites.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up and help the sauce adhere to every strand of spaghetti. Give it a good toss until everything is perfectly coated. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but adds a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For an extra indulgent finish, a little shaved Parmesan right on top works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus tossed in olive oil and lemon zest. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also a fantastic companion, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a special occasion, arrange the shrimp pasta neatly on a large serving platter and garnish with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh parsley. You can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for shine and added flavor. Serving in shallow bowls also helps showcase the creamy sauce beautifully while keeping everything cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe will stay delicious for up to two days. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some sauce, so adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating can help refresh it.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce and shrimp don’t always freeze and reheat well together. If you must freeze, separate the pasta and sauce, freezing the sauce alone in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce separate. Take your time and it will taste almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work perfectly. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, you can replace the white wine with chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of vinegar. This keeps the acidity but without the wine flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy note.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cook very quickly; they’re done when they turn pink and opaque with no translucent centers. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they are done.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce base without shrimp a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, just reheat gently and add cooked shrimp or quickly cook fresh shrimp in the sauce before combining with pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it on busy weeknights or for casual dinner parties. The bright lemon zest combined with the rich, garlicky cream and tender shrimp creates a dish that’s truly unforgettable. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and soon you’ll have a plate of something wonderfully comforting and dazzling on your table!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Combined with perfectly al dente spaghetti and a touch of parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a refreshing and rich flavor that’s both elegant and easy to prepare within 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp (31–40 count, peeled & thawed)
- Zest and juice of one lemon (about 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve one tablespoon of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the flour to the bubbling sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until fully melted and incorporated.
- Simmer the Sauce: Continue to simmer the sauce on medium heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce noticeably thickens. If the sauce is not thick enough, simmer for a few more minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp are opaque, pink, and fully cooked through, and the sauce is thickened to your preference.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the spaghetti, add the reserved pasta water to the sauce to loosen if necessary, then toss the pasta in the skillet with the creamy lemon shrimp sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Dry white wine adds depth; substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
