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Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish with juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s light, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss gently until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and parmesan if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and lemon for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg

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