Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp pairs wonderfully with the rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, while the fresh lemon adds a refreshing citrus kick. The pasta soaks up the sauce, making each bite indulgent and flavorful. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something impressive but not too time-consuming. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or make it spicier with some red pepper flakes!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then gradually add the parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and use vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a lighter, vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Add Extra Veggies: Try adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus to the dish for additional flavors and nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free while still enjoying all the delicious flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine are great choices, feel free to use your favorite pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should be firm to the touch but not rubbery.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to enhance the dish. Simply sauté them along with the garlic.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

For a creamier sauce, use more heavy cream and add extra parmesan cheese. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk, but the consistency will be less rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance. Just store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make it lighter, you can use half the amount of cream and substitute with milk or a dairy-free option. You could also opt for zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta for a lower-carb version.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Make sure the sauce has cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously creamy, tangy, and savory dish that’s sure to please anyone at your dinner table. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, it’s a perfect go-to meal for busy evenings or special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

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This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, a creamy parmesan sauce, and a burst of fresh lemon. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this pasta is rich, zesty, and utterly satisfying.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
For extra veggies: Try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.