Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This page features a quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta made with tender shrimp, garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, butter, and olive oil tossed with pasta for a light yet satisfying seafood meal.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pasta, spaghetti, or angel hair
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, shelled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 shallot, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1/2 lemon, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté shallot until softened. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in parsley.
- Garnish with additional parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Yield: Serves 4.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so the shrimp sear properly.
What pasta works best for shrimp pasta?
Spaghetti and angel hair work well, but linguine or fettuccine are also good choices.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side, and remove them from the pan until ready to combine.
Can I make this recipe creamier?
You can add a splash of cream or extra butter, but the original recipe is meant to be light and lemon-forward.