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Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Close-up of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta featuring fettuccine noodles, plump shrimp, and a bright lemon zest garnish.
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Make a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a creamy sauce brightened with fresh lemon and garlic.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid reduces by half (about 2 minutes).
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they finish cooking when you toss them with the hot sauce.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta/