Personalized Introduction

If there’s one dish that always feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. I still remember the first time I made it—I was craving something comforting but also bright and fresh. The moment that buttery lemon aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had found a new favorite. And honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again.

This pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, garlicky, and rich without being heavy. The shrimp cook in minutes, the sauce comes together beautifully, and you only need simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or your whole family, this dish feels a little special—but without the stress. So let’s dive into it together!

Nutritional Benefits

One thing I really love about this recipe is that it doesn’t just taste good—it also has several nutritional perks. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and contains nutrients like selenium and B vitamins, which support energy levels and metabolism. The lemon adds a boost of vitamin C, which helps your immune system, and garlic is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Even though the sauce is creamy, you can lighten it up without losing the luxurious texture. Using half-and-half, light cream, or even a splash of pasta water can keep things silky while cutting some calories. Plus, you can easily add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to boost fiber and vitamins.

Adaptable Variations

• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk.
• More Veggies: Add spinach at the end, sauté cherry tomatoes with the shrimp, or toss in steamed asparagus.
• Extra Lemon Punch: Add lemon zest or a splash of white wine when cooking the sauce.
• Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken strips or even a mix of seafood like scallops or clams.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve the creamy shrimp over rice or zucchini noodles.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta 🍋🧈🍤

Ingredients

• 250g (about 8–9 oz) pasta of your choice (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Season and cook the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add lemon. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This creates the bright, refreshing base of the sauce.
5. Make the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
7. Combine everything. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss well so every strand is coated with the creamy lemon garlic butter sauce.
8. Finish and serve. Sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly! Overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
• Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give the same brightness.
• Adjust creaminess. Add pasta water little by little to reach your favorite consistency.
• Perfect for meal prep. This pasta reheats well—just add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
• Want deeper flavor? Add 1/4 cup white wine before adding the cream and let it simmer down.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely. Use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan or replace with a dairy-free alternative.
3. Why is my sauce too thin? Simmer it a bit longer or add extra Parmesan. It thickens naturally as it cools.
4. Can I add vegetables to this? Definitely—spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and asparagus all work beautifully.

Call to Action

If you try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photo, leave a comment, or save it to your Pinterest boards so you can cook it again anytime. Your feedback always inspires me to create more delicious, cozy meals for you!