Irresistible Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe to Wow Guests

Recipe By:
Ava Mack
Updated:

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and succulent shrimp that makes Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta a dish worth celebrating. Picture twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a silky lemon-infused sauce, all while the aroma dances around your kitchen like it’s auditioning for a cooking show. Moroccan spiced salmon with lemon Whether you’re gearing up for an impressive date night or just trying to impress your friends with your culinary prowess, this dish delivers flavor and flair, making it a must-try.

Chocolate Cake Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Now let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family was skeptical as I tossed shrimp into the pan like I was playing catch with dinner. But once they took their first bite, they erupted into applause (well, after chewing, of course). It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for impressing anyone from a romantic partner to unexpected guests who just dropped by.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors
  • The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
  • It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
  • Plus, the creamy sauce pairs beautifully with garlic and herbs for an unforgettable meal

Family and friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was; it quickly became a staple at our gatherings. mini quiches for brunch.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: Choose your favorite type—fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully for soaking up that creamy sauce.
  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp will do; just ensure it’s peeled and deveined for ease.
  • Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; don’t skimp on it if you want that luxurious texture.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic brings out that aromatic goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi recipe.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; zest adds an extra punch of citrus aroma.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing herbaceous note at the end.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle provides healthy fats and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all those fantastic flavors throughout the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic until fragrant—this should be about 30 seconds—then add shrimp. Sauté until they turn pink and opaque.

Add Cream and Lemon: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Then add lemon juice and zest to brighten up those rich flavors. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually mix grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring until melted and combined smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain your cooked pasta (reserving some pasta water) before adding it directly into the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly; if too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Garnish and Serve!: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over your beautiful creation before serving hot! Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for an even more delightful meal experience.

This Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta will surely become a go-to recipe in your household! Enjoy every luscious bite while basking in compliments from family and friends! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe.

You Must Know

  • This creamy lemon shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and rich textures
  • The zesty lemon cuts through the creaminess, making it a perfect meal for any occasion
  • With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first; this frees you up to prepare the sauce while it cooks. Sauté the shrimp in garlic and butter before adding cream and lemon juice. This sequence ensures everything comes together seamlessly for maximum flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or veggies like asparagus. Add chili flakes for some heat or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. creamy chicken Alfredo lasagna These little changes can elevate your creamy lemon shrimp pasta to new heights. sticky honey chicken recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture
  • Don’t overcook them; they should be pink and opaque when done
  • Consider using whole wheat pasta for added nutrition without sacrificing taste!

Cooking this creamy lemon shrimp pasta always reminds me of my friend’s dinner party where it was an instant hit. Everyone kept asking for seconds, and I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary superstar that night!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp in the creamy lemon shrimp pasta?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives available in stores.

Print
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Chocolate Cake Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta


  • Author: Ava Mack
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, lemon-infused sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal, making it perfect for date nights or casual gatherings. With vibrant flavors and a silky texture, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends at the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds before adding shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque.
  3. Lower heat and pour in heavy cream; stir in lemon juice and zest. Simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together. If too thick, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. - Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or vegetables like asparagus for variation. - To add spice, include red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

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