Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is an incredibly flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. It features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with tender pasta, and finished with a bright burst of fresh lemon juice and savory Parmesan cheese.
This is the perfect recipe for when you crave something elegant and satisfying but are short on time. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal that’s guaranteed to impress anyone, from picky family members to dinner guests.
Why This Shrimp Pasta is a Must-Make
Quick and Easy: This entire dish comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan creates a sauce that is simply irresistible.
Elegant and Impressive: It looks and tastes like a gourmet meal from a fancy Italian restaurant.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add in your favorite vegetables.
A Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that everyone at the table will love.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
You likely already have everything you need to make this simple pasta dish.
Large pot (for cooking pasta)
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
The Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
This recipe uses a handful of fresh, powerful ingredients to create its signature taste.
1 pound linguine or spaghetti
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Crafting Your Pasta Masterpiece, Step-by-Step
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Serving Suggestions and Pro Tips
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus: A side of simple roasted asparagus is a classic and elegant pairing.
How to Perfect Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley will provide the best, most vibrant flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silkier texture.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts much better and has a more robust flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that adds a pop of color.
Caprese Salad: The fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a perfect match.
Garlic Breadsticks: Another great option for dipping in the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce.
Adding the Garlic Too Early: Garlic can burn quickly. Add it in the last minute of cooking the shrimp.
Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This is a key step for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce works well with almost any pasta shape. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great choices.
Can I make this with chicken?
Absolutely! Substitute bite-sized pieces of chicken breast for the shrimp and cook until no longer pink.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, this pasta is delicious with added vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Add them to the skillet after the garlic and cook until tender.
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