Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A 20-Minute Weeknight Wonder!
Before we dive into buttery noodles and plump, garlicky shrimp, I just want to say thank you. Truly. Every visit to my little corner of the internet, every shared recipe, and every comment of “I made this and my family loved it!” warms my heart more than you know. Recipes like this one were made for sharing — quick, comforting, and so full of flavor you’ll be dreaming about it the next day.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is EVERYTHING. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples (yes, really!), and the flavor payoff is out of this world. The shrimp are juicy and tender, the garlic is fragrant without being overpowering, and the fresh lemon? Brightens the whole dish like sunshine in a skillet!
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party but speedy enough for a last-minute meal. And the best part? It’s all done in about 20 minutes. Anything but boring!!
The Taste? Think Zesty, Buttery, Garlicky Bliss
Close your eyes and imagine this: spaghetti tossed in a silky lemon butter sauce, dotted with perfectly seared shrimp and flecks of fresh parsley. The citrus lifts every bite, the garlic infuses the oil like a dream, and the noodles soak it all up like they were made for each other. One forkful and I guarantee you’ll be hooked.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.
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Pantry Friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have!
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Healthy-ish Comfort Food – Protein-packed shrimp and a light butter sauce.
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Great for Entertaining or a Cozy Night In – Impressive yet effortless.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need:
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8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
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Tongs or pasta fork
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Zester or microplane
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Citrus juicer (optional, but handy)
Additions & Substitutions
✨ Want to make it your own? Try these:
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Swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
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Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and nutrients.
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Use ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
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Like it creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
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Boil the Pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant. Add lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes.
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Combine: Return shrimp to the pan. Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved water. Toss until glossy and coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, add a lemon wedge, and serve hot!
What to Serve With It
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A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Toasted garlic bread (double the garlic love!)
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A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time
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Don’t overcook – Shrimp cook quickly! As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
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Dry before cooking – Pat them dry with paper towels to get that golden sear.
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Use fresh lemon juice – It really makes all the difference.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you!
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Avoid the microwave if you can — shrimp prefer the gentle touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Is this spicy?
Only slightly, and the red pepper flakes are totally optional.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Wrapping It Up
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the kind of meal you keep coming back to — easy, bright, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole table, it’s a guaranteed win. Save this for a busy Tuesday or your next date night in. You won’t be disappointed!
💛 Love lemony seafood recipes? Try my Creamy Lemon Basil Salmon or Peach and Prosciutto Pasta next — you’ll thank me later!
Let’s Stay in Touch!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see! Snap a pic and tag it #mmrecipeslongpostes on Pinterest or leave a review below. Your feedback makes my day and helps others find this recipe too.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
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Calories: 430
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Protein: 25g
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Carbs: 45g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 2g