Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Few Ingredients

Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Luxurious 20-Minute Meal 🍤🍝✨

1. Introduction

This easy lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in just 20 minutes! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and plump shrimp in a velvety cream sauce, this creamy shrimp pasta will become your new weeknight favorite. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this impressive meal. If you’re looking for more quick and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our collection of easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this dinner recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (perfect al dente texture is key)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen both work well)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (creates that luxurious sauce)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (fresh is best for bright citrus notes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but adds nice heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season in layers)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh herbs make it pop)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for that perfect finishing touch)

3. Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil (it should taste like the sea). Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency. If you love lemon flavors, you might also enjoy our lemon ginger cookies for dessert!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic turns bitter). This creates the flavor base for our quick lemon garlic pasta. The aroma at this stage is incredible – it’s what makes this dish so special!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Increase heat to medium-high and add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque (they’ll continue cooking in the sauce later). Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside – this prevents overcooking. For more easy recipes with few ingredients, try our French macarons!

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add chicken broth to deglaze the pan (scrape up those delicious browned bits). Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon). Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. The sauce should cling beautifully to each strand of pasta. If you’re a lemon lover, don’t miss our lemon crinkle cookies for dessert!

4. Serving Suggestions

Return shrimp to the pan and toss with pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon for extra brightness. This simple shrimp pasta recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a side salad. For more lemon-infused dishes, browse our collection of citrusy recipes that brighten any meal.

5. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the creamy sauce (microwaving can make the sauce separate). Note that pasta will absorb some of the sauce when stored, so you may need to add a bit more liquid when reheating. For more recipe tips and tricks, visit our recipe archives.

6. Variations

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and ingredients. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables (toss in during the last minute of cooking)
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version (the sauce will be slightly thinner)
• Use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp (adjust cooking times accordingly)
• Add capers or artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair (about 2 tbsp capers or 1/2 cup artichokes)
• For a different citrus twist, try lime instead of lemon
• Add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami flavor

7. Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be just opaque (they’ll continue cooking in the sauce)
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor (bottled juice can taste flat)
• Reserve pasta water – it helps create the perfect sauce consistency (the starch acts as a natural thickener)
• Cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce (about 1 minute less than package directions)
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor
• Let the sauce reduce properly – it should coat the back of a spoon

8. Nutrition Information

(Per serving) Calories: 520 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 295mg | Sodium: 980mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 15% DV | Vitamin C: 25% DV | Calcium: 20% DV | Iron: 15% DV

This nutritional breakdown is for one generous serving. For a lighter version, you can reduce the heavy cream to 1/3 cup and increase the chicken broth. You can also find more about our recipe philosophy on our about page.

9. Conclusion

This easy lemon garlic shrimp pasta proves that gourmet meals don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With its bright citrus notes, garlicky aroma, and luxurious cream sauce, this creamy shrimp pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just treating yourself, this quick lemon garlic pasta is sure to impress. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced – the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, while the garlic adds depth and the shrimp provide sweet, delicate protein. For more lunch and dinner ideas, browse our collection of family-friendly recipes. If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love our soft baked M&M cookies for dessert! For additional inspiration, check out this similar creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe from our friends at Simply Delicious Food. Give this simple shrimp pasta recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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