A quick and delightful Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a zesty lemon butter sauce over linguine or spaghetti.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
340 g linguine or spaghetti
1–1½ tsp salt, for pasta water
120 ml reserved pasta water
450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
60 g unsalted butter
5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 large lemon
60 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
60–120 ml reserved pasta water, as needed
½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 120 ml pasta water before draining.
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds without burning the garlic.
Add the zest and juice of half to one lemon, then add 60 ml reserved pasta water and stir. Toss in the drained pasta and sprinkle in Parmesan while tossing, adding more pasta water as needed for a smooth sauce.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for 30–60 seconds until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need about 1–2 minutes per side.
Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch helps the butter and Parmesan form a silky sauce.
Add Parmesan gradually while tossing to prevent clumping.
For extra richness, add 60 ml heavy cream to the sauce before adding the pasta.
For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes.