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Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta that balances buttery richness with citrus brightness, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return shrimp to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss with remaining 2 tablespoons butter until well coated and glossy. Heat through for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan or a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a good sear. Stir in butter at the end for a silky sauce finish. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and prevent separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, lemon garlic pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, garlic butter shrimp, lemon pasta

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-and-flavorful-dinner-idea/