Description
This Lemon Pasta with Shrimp is a bright and creamy Mediterranean-inspired dish made with tender shrimp, fresh garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. The silky sauce clings perfectly to spaghetti, creating a light yet comforting seafood pasta that is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- 500 g (1 lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water to loosen it. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 210mg