Irresistible Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Quick Gourmet Delight

Ah, creamy lemon shrimp pasta. Just saying it makes me think of sun-soaked evenings and the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. This dish brings back memories of a summer getaway to the coast, where I savored every bite of this divine meal while watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. There’s something about the combination of tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and creamy pasta that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and today, I’m excited to share my version of this delightful dish with you!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or just something to indulge your taste buds, this creamy lemon shrimp pasta has got you covered. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Elevated flavors that impress without requiring professional chef skills.
• Comforting and creamy, yet light enough to enjoy on warm evenings.
• Budget-friendly with ingredients that are mostly pantry staples.
• Perfect for customizing with your favorite herbs, veggies, or spices.

Ingredients

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

• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, but thaw first)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds so much more punch than powdered!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy lemon shrimp pasta in no time:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Watch out not to overcook them; they can become rubbery!
3. Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. You want it to smell heavenly but not burn—keep an eye on it!
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine it all: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in that luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle over fresh parsley and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve it warm, and enjoy the creamy, lemony goodness!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists and suggestions to make this dish your own:

• Herb it up: Try adding fresh basil or dill for a lovely change in flavor!
• Veggie boost: Toss in some baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and health benefits.
• Spice it up: A dash of paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick.
• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for a mixture of Greek yogurt and a little pasta cooking water for a lighter sauce.
• Try different proteins: Chicken or scallops would also work beautifully in this recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: You’ve just finished cooking your creamy lemon shrimp pasta. What’s next? You can serve it up in a big, rustic bowl with extra Parmesan on the side, ready for everyone to dig in! I love pairing it with a simple green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for balance, and a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling a little extra fancy, a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully. Ah, perfection!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it, it’s that good!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They should keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the pasta right after it cools down. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, add some cream or broth to the pasta in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. This helps prevent it from drying out!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes to speed up the process.

What if I’m lactose intolerant?

No worries! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a lactose-free cream alternative. The lemon will still provide that bright flavor you love!

Can I make this pasta dairy-free?

Yes! Just replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still taste fantastic!

How can I make this dish spicier?

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or a bit of hot sauce when serving. You can also add chopped jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous!

What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?

Gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth or cream, stirring until warmed through. This will help keep it creamy and delicious, just like when you first made it!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this creamy lemon shrimp pasta as much as I do! It’s one of those dishes that can make any day feel special. Please let me know how yours turns out—leave a comment below or share your experience! Happy cooking, and remember: when in doubt, a little extra cheese never hurts!

Irresistible Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Quick Gourmet Delight

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the rich flavors of creamy lemon shrimp pasta—a quick, gourmet dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 medium lemon, juiced and zested

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Red pepper flakes, optional

---

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine it all: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle over fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

A delightful creamy lemon shrimp pasta that’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Ideal for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, lemon shrimp recipe, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta