Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Oh my gosh, you guys, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is my go-to when I want something fancy-tasting but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it for date night, my partner thought I’d ordered takeout from some fancy Italian place! That’s how good it is.

What I love most is how the bright lemon zest plays with the creamy Parmesan sauce; it’s like sunshine and comfort food had a baby. And the shrimp? Perfectly tender every time if you follow my little tricks (more on that later). Best part? From start to finish, we’re talking 25 minutes tops. Faster than waiting for delivery, and about a million times more delicious.

This dish has saved me on so many “I have nothing to cook” nights. Just last week, I threw it together with some slightly sad-looking asparagus from the back of my fridge, and it still came out tasting like a restaurant-quality meal. That’s the magic of lemon, garlic, and a little bit of butter; they make everything taste amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this dish checks all the boxes:

• It’s crazy fast: We’re talking dinner in under 30 minutes
• The flavors dance together, bright lemon, rich garlic, and creamy Parmesan
• Looks fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a Tuesday
• That sauce? Silky perfection that coats every strand of pasta
• You probably have most ingredients already (I always do!)

Seriously, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the recipe I make when I want to impress but don’t want to stress. The shrimp cook in minutes, the sauce comes together while the pasta boils, and voila, a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Okay, let’s talk ingredients, and I mean the good stuff. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is all about fresh, simple flavors that pack a punch. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and why each one matters):

• 12 oz Angel Hair pasta: The thin strands hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly. Trust me, I’ve tried it with thicker pasta, and it’s just not the same.
• 4 tbsp butter: Real, unsalted butter please! It gives the pasta that luxurious mouthfeel.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and asparagus to golden perfection.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh is best here. That jarred stuff just won’t give you the same aromatic punch.
• 1¼ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Look for 21-25 count per pound. Bigger shrimp = more satisfying bites!
• 1 bunch of asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces, about 12-15 spears. Snap off the woody ends first; they’ll tell you where to break naturally.
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough for a subtle kick without overwhelming the lemon.
• Salt and pepper to taste: I’m generous with both because they make all the other flavors pop.
• ⅔ cup heavy cream: The base for our luscious sauce. Don’t skimp!
• 2 large egg yolks: These thicken the sauce beautifully while adding richness.
• Juice and zest from 1 lemon: The zest is where all the bright, sunny flavor lives, don’t skip it!
• ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan: None of that pre-shredded stuff, it won’t melt as smoothly.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For that final pop of color and freshness.

See? Nothing too crazy, just quality ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

Before we get cooking, let’s grab our tools, nothing fancy, just the basics:

• A large skillet for sautéing shrimp and asparagus
• Pasta pot (or any big pot really) for boiling noodles
• Small saucepan for that creamy lemon sauce
• Tongs and wooden spoon, my trusty kitchen sidekicks

That’s it! No special gadgets required, just good ol’ reliable cookware.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta comes together fast, so I recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when everything flows smoothly.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, get that pasta water boiling! Fill your pot with water (I use about 4 quarts for 12 oz pasta) and salt it generously; it should taste like the sea.

Once boiling, add your angel hair pasta and cook for just 4-5 minutes until al dente (it’ll finish cooking later).

Drain it, then immediately toss with those 4 tablespoons of butter; this keeps the noodles from sticking and adds incredible flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Asparagus

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and asparagus, you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook for about 2 minutes until the shrimp start turning pink and opaque (don’t overcook them!).

Now add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. The garlic will become fragrant in about 30 seconds; that’s your cue to remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! In your small saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream and egg yolks over low heat. I mean LOW heat, we’re talking a gentle simmer at most.

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until it thickens slightly (about 3 minutes). Now stir in the lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into silky perfection. If it looks too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Time to bring it all together! Pour that gorgeous lemon sauce over your buttered pasta and toss gently. Add the shrimp and asparagus mixture, tossing just until everything is coated.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley; that pop of green makes it look restaurant-worthy. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and enjoy the compliments!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta perfection:

• Zest first, juice second: Always zest your lemon before juicing it (trying to zest a squeezed lemon is a nightmare!)
• Low and slow sauce: Keep that heat gentle when combining yolks and cream, rushing equals scrambled eggs!
• Pasta swap magic: No angel hair? Linguine works great, just adjust cook time by 1-2 minutes
• Shrimp don’t lie: They’re done when they form a “C” shape; any tighter means they’re overcooked
• Reserve pasta water: That starchy liquid is gold for adjusting sauce consistency

Follow these and you’ll have restaurant-quality results every single time!

Variations to Try

Oh, the fun part, making this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta your own! Here are my favorite twists:

• Crunchy upgrade: Toast some pine nuts or chopped walnuts and sprinkle on top, that crunch against the creamy pasta? Heaven.
• Pasta swap: No angel hair? Fettuccine or spaghetti work beautifully, just adjust cook time by a minute or two.
• Spice lover? Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Veggie boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

The beauty of this recipe? It welcomes creativity while still tasting amazing!

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta shines all on its own, but oh boy does it love good company! My go-to pairings:

• Crusty garlic bread: For soaking up every last drop of that dreamy sauce
• Simple arugula salad: The peppery greens cut through the richness perfectly
• Chilled white wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio makes my taste buds sing

Just don’t forget the napkins, things might get happily messy!

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back that silky texture; microwaving makes the shrimp rubbery. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this pro tip!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving (remember, these are estimates, your mileage may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes!):

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 28g

Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs About Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Bright & Flavorful Seafood Pasta Dishes to Try

Loved this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta? Keep the fresh, zesty vibes going with these seafood recipes full of buttery, garlicky flavor and tender bites.

• Bistro Shrimp Pasta: Creamy, restaurant-style shrimp pasta that’s rich, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying.
• Honey Sriracha Grilled Shrimp: Sweet, spicy, and perfectly caramelized, serve with rice or toss into pasta.
• Tuscan Scallops: Seared scallops in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, luxurious and dinner-party worthy.
• Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod: Light, flaky cod in a silky lemon-butter sauce, pair with pasta or veggies.

Save these vibrant seafood favorites to keep your dinners fresh, flavorful, and delicious all week long!

Share Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Made this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Rate the recipe, share your tweaks, or tag me on Instagram to see your kitchen adventures; your tips might help other home cooks, too!

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