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Flavorful Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Garlic Sauce Dinner

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A quick and easy lemon shrimp pasta with a light garlic sauce that is perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties. This dish balances bright citrus with garlicky depth and tender shrimp for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450 g) of peeled and deveined large shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. To the same skillet, pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss well to coat the noodles and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky finish.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor and avoid burning it by cooking on medium heat. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with extra olive oil or dairy-free spread. Gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon shrimp pasta, garlic sauce, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, lemon garlic shrimp, weeknight dinner

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