Lemon Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of zesty, creamy, and savory flavors, all brought together in a rich white wine and butter sauce. This dish is quick and easy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a delicious dinner that feels gourmet but doesn’t require a lot of effort. The shrimp are perfectly sautéed, then tossed with a creamy sauce made with lemon, white wine, and a touch of heat from chili flakes, creating a dish that’s both light and indulgent.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 14 tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Chili flakes (optional)

• ⅓ cup white wine (or vegetable stock for non-alcoholic version)

• ¼ cup heavy cream (or cream from a can of coconut milk)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Lemon juice, to taste

• 150 g cooked pasta of choice (linguine recommended)

• Splash of starchy pasta water

• Parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Sauté the Shrimp:

   • In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil until hot and shimmering.

   • Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same pan, add the minced garlic and chili flakes (if using), stirring for a few seconds until fragrant.

   • Pour in the white wine and let it cook off for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens.

   • Add the heavy cream, a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the shrimp to the pan with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of starchy pasta water to bring everything together.

   • Stir well, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 354

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Protein: 20 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Cholesterol: 225 mg

• Sodium: 849 mg

• Potassium: 241 mg

• Fiber: 0.1 g

• Sugar: 1 g

Why This Dish Works

Lemon Shrimp Pasta combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the acidity of fresh lemon and the richness of a creamy, buttery sauce. The white wine adds a depth of flavor and slight acidity that helps balance out the richness of the cream and butter. The chili flakes (if used) offer a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish without overpowering it.

This recipe is also extremely versatile. While linguine is recommended, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. The sauce, rich yet light, complements almost any pasta, allowing you to customize the dish based on what you have on hand. The shrimp, while the star of the dish, can also be substituted with other seafood or even chicken for different flavor variations.

The Perfect Shrimp

Shrimp cook incredibly quickly, making them ideal for a fast-paced dish like Lemon Shrimp Pasta. When sautéing the shrimp, it’s important to not overcook them. Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked, typically in just 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture, so it’s best to remove them from the pan as soon as they are perfectly pink and tender.

Using tiger shrimp, as specified in this recipe, ensures a meaty and flavorful bite, but you can substitute them with smaller shrimp if needed. It’s best to buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time, and they should be fresh or properly thawed if frozen.

The Creamy Sauce

The sauce for this dish is made using a combination of white wine and heavy cream, which creates a beautiful, rich, and velvety consistency. The white wine is the foundation of the sauce, adding a slight acidity that balances the richness of the cream and butter. The alcohol in the wine cooks off as the sauce reduces, leaving behind a depth of flavor.

Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice bring a refreshing brightness to the sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a vibrant, citrusy punch that elevates the dish. The chili flakes (optional but highly recommended) provide a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce and the sweetness of the shrimp. Together, the sauce becomes a perfect match for the shrimp and pasta, coating everything with a luscious, flavorful sheen.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

When combining the pasta and sauce, it’s essential to add a splash of starchy pasta water. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta, creating a smooth and cohesive dish. The starchy water also helps thicken the sauce slightly, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

Linguine is the ideal choice for this dish because its long, flat shape allows the sauce to cling to each strand. However, you can easily substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne or farfalle. The key is to use a pasta shape that can hold the sauce and shrimp well, ensuring a balanced bite with every forkful.

Garnishing the Dish

Garnishing the dish with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color, but it also brings a touch of freshness to the overall flavor. Parsley pairs perfectly with lemon and seafood, and its subtle herbal notes enhance the zesty and creamy elements of the dish. While fresh parsley is the preferred garnish, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese for added richness if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a satisfying and complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would pair beautifully with the acidity of the lemon and the richness of the shrimp and sauce.

For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering where you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate balance of creamy, savory, and zesty flavors, offering an indulgent dining experience without the long cooking time. With its bright, citrusy sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special dinner, this easy yet impressive recipe will satisfy both your cravings and your desire for a gourmet experience.

Conclusion

This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for anyone who loves seafood and creamy pasta. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, it delivers a dish that feels gourmet without the effort. The combination of shrimp, white wine, lemon, and cream creates a balanced and indulgent sauce, while the chili flakes add just the right amount of heat to elevate the flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with your favorite pasta, this dish is sure to impress your family, friends, or yourself. Try it tonight for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!