Craving Comfort with a Kick? This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta Delivers
When it comes to quick, flavorful meals, few dishes compare to Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta. It’s rich, bright, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Best of all? It’s on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any night.
This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food—without the heavy cream or hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
🦐 Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta
- ✅ Ready in 25–30 minutes
- ✅ High in protein (thanks to shrimp)
- ✅ Balanced with healthy fats and citrus
- ✅ Easily adaptable to gluten-free or low-carb diets
- ✅ Elegant enough to impress, simple enough to repeat
🍝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible garlic butter shrimp pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)
🍳 How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with the sauce. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Add shrimp back in, sprinkle parsley, and toss again.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Top with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Tip: Want to make it creamier? Add 2 tbsp of light cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a subtle richness.
🧠 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500–550 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Loaded with lean protein and healthy fats, this dish provides a satiating meal that won’t weigh you down.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Low-Carb Option
Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, lentils, or chickpeas.
Spicy Kick
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
Veggie Boost
Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for more fiber and color.
📦 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the shrimp.
- Freezing: Not recommended—shrimp and pasta can lose texture when frozen.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine or spaghetti works great, but feel free to try angel hair, fettuccine, or even penne.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based butter substitute or skip butter and use more olive oil.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the lemony richness.
✅ Final Thoughts: An Easy Recipe That Feels Fancy
Whether you’re trying to impress someone or simply need a quick, satisfying dinner, this Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers big on taste with minimal effort. It brings together everything we love: a zesty lemon bite, rich garlic flavor, and tender shrimp that melts in your mouth.
And the best part? It’s healthier and faster than ordering takeout.
