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Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta that combines tangy lemon zest with rich butter and garlic, tossed with tender shrimp and spaghetti for a comforting yet fresh dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound (450 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and slightly bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and stir. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Then add pasta and toss everything together. Use tongs to mix well, adding more pasta water if needed to get that perfect creamy consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Add lemon zest at the end to keep the flavor bright and fresh. Cook garlic on medium-low heat to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy lemon garlic pasta, butter shrimp pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, seafood pasta, lemon garlic shrimp

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/