Indulge in Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta – Quick & Delicious

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by Molly white

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Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

The moment you twirl that creamy lemon shrimp pasta around your fork, you’ll feel like a culinary genius. The bright zing of lemon dances with the richness of cream and the succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of flavors that can make even the most mundane weeknight feel like a five-star dining experience. Moroccan salmon with lemon.

Jump to:

Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday evening, and you’re finally ready to unwind after a long week. You decide to whip up something special for yourself. As the aroma of garlic wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but smile at how simple yet elegant this creamy lemon shrimp pasta is. Hot honey chicken for dinner It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a casual dinner or an intimate date night that may just lead to some serious swooning over your cooking skills.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This creamy lemon shrimp pasta offers effortless preparation with restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
  • Its vibrant colors and silky sauce make it visually stunning on any plate.
  • Versatile enough for any season, this dish is perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.
  • The delightful combination of shrimp and lemon will have everyone asking for seconds!

There’s nothing quite like the time my friends gathered around my dining table, forks poised, ready to devour this dish. They were utterly enchanted by each bite, making me wonder if I should start charging for my culinary services!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
  • Pasta: I prefer fettuccine or linguine here; their flat shape captures all that creamy goodness.
  • Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for the richest texture; it makes all the difference in flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an aromatic punch; don’t even think about using powder here.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up the entire dish beautifully.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth and a savory note; go for freshly grated if possible.
  • Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while cooking.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh finish to your dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all those delightful flavors!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes—then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp once hot, cooking them until pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side—and set aside.

Create the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—being careful not to burn it. The smell will make you want to dance!

Add Cream and Lemon Juice: Pour in heavy cream along with fresh lemon juice and zest. Stir gently while bringing it to a simmer; let those flavors meld together beautifully for about 3-4 minutes.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta back into the skillet along with sautéed shrimp. Toss well until everything is coated in that luscious sauce—you’ll be amazed at how creamy it looks!

Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the mix. Then add chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving immediately.

Now you’ve got yourself an impressive plate of creamy lemon shrimp pasta that will delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy it! Trust me, they’ll be asking for your secret recipe before dessert even hits the table! Crispy shrimp balls recipe.

Tips

  • Fresh shrimp makes all the difference; frozen shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. I once had a shrimpy disaster, and my friends still remind me of it.
  • Choosing high-quality pasta creates a lovely base for the sauce. Whole grain or gluten-free options work too!
  • A splash of white wine elevates the sauce’s flavor profile. Trust me, it’s like giving your dish a fancy upgrade without the tuxedo.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and shrimp until fragrant, then cook your pasta while preparing the creamy lemon sauce to save time and ensure everything is perfectly synchronized. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style recipe.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or asparagus. Cheesy chicken alfredo lasagna Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten your dish beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh shrimp for better texture; frozen can get rubbery if overcooked.
  • Cook pasta slightly al dente to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Add lemon zest for extra brightness and flavor in your creamy sauce.

I remember serving this creamy lemon shrimp pasta at a family gathering, and everyone devoured it! My cousin even jokingly proposed to me over the dinner table, declaring he’d never tasted anything so good. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other seafood in this creamy lemon shrimp pasta?

Yes, scallops or crab meat work great as delicious alternatives.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Coconut milk or half-and-half offers a lighter option for this creamy sauce.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque; it usually takes about 3-5 minutes per batch.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta


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  • Author: Mery Mack
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your table in under 30 minutes. With succulent shrimp, a luscious cream sauce, and a bright lemon zing, this pasta transforms any meal into a gourmet experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine: Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing until well coated.
  5. Finish: Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 240mg

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