If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances richness and brightness, this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with tender shrimp, silky pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce cut through with zesty lemon, it’s a delightful meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe always shines on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet high-quality ingredients is key to making this dish sing with flavor. Each component plays an essential role in bringing the Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe to life, from the tender pasta strands to the zesty hit of fresh lemon that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- Linguine or Fettuccine (8 ounces): These long pasta shapes hold onto creamy sauces perfectly, creating a harmonious texture with the shrimp.
- Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): Fresh shrimp adds a sweet and delicate seafood flavor that’s the star of the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the garlic and shrimp, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): This brings a robust aroma and depth that complements the brightness of the lemon.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The base of the sauce, creating that luscious, velvety texture everyone loves.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Adds a savory richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Whole Lemon, juice and zest (1): The citrus element that lights up this dish with fresh, vibrant notes.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Fresh herbs for garnish add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who crave a little kick, these bring just the right amount of heat.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the linguine or fettuccine in a large pot of generously salted water. Cook until al dente according to package instructions to ensure the pasta has the perfect bite that won’t get lost in the creamy sauce. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it releases its fragrant aroma. Garlic is a flavor powerhouse here, giving the dish a savory backbone that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and lemon.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to curl. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are fully opaque and tender. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to keep their perfect texture.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly by cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that smooth and luxurious base for our sauce, which beautifully envelops the pasta and shrimp later.
Step 5: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream until it melts completely and the sauce turns silky smooth. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 6: Add Lemon and Combine
Mix in the juice and zest of the whole lemon, infusing the sauce with bright, zesty freshness that counterbalances the creaminess. Then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until every strand of pasta and every shrimp is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Allow the pasta to sit off heat for a minute to let the flavors marry beautifully. Then finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and, if you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are classic garnishes that add not only vibrant green color but also a burst of freshness to each bite. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish by adding just enough heat for those who love a bit of spice. Don’t forget an extra zest of lemon on top if you’re craving more citrus brightness!
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up the extra luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make excellent side dishes that add contrast in texture and color without overwhelming the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the pasta twirled onto plates with the shrimp artfully arranged on top and garnished with finely chopped parsley and lemon zest. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a final touch of sophistication. If you want to impress guests, serve the dish in individual shallow bowls for a restaurant-style feel right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will mellow slightly, making it still delicious for a next-day meal. Be sure to keep the pasta and sauce together to prevent the shrimp from drying out.
Freezing
While shrimp and cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as you warm it, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures they sauté nicely for that perfect texture.
What pasta types work best with this recipe?
Linguine and fettuccine are ideal because their flat shape holds the creamy sauce better, but you can also use spaghetti or even penne if you prefer. The key is to choose a pasta that can trap the sauce deliciously.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can try using half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, but note the texture and richness might change. Heavy cream gives the most luxurious finish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking will kick up the heat. You can also serve with a spicy chili oil drizzle for those who love bold flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Multiply the recipe accordingly and use a large skillet or two to keep everything manageable. The steps remain the same, and the results are just as impressive for group dinners.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of creamy, lemony shrimp pasta that feels like a hug on a plate. This Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal. Give it a try and enjoy every bright, dreamy bite!
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Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and quick-to-make dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Combined with linguine or fettuccine, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it delivers a balanced and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Linguine or Fettuccine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 whole Lemon, juice and zest
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley or Basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cream sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Incorporate lemon and shrimp: Mix in the lemon juice and zest into the sauce, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat well in the sauce.
- Final touches and serve: Let the pasta sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a gentle heat if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce before adding Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or a half-and-half mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and pink with a slight firmness.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Fresh herbs like chiffonade basil or chopped flat-leaf parsley add freshness and color.
