This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a bright, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, fresh lemon, and perfectly cooked spaghetti are tossed in a silky buttery sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is always a winning choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Light yet satisfying
- Packed with fresh lemon flavor
- Juicy, tender shrimp in every bite
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Restaurant-quality results at home
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For Brining the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Pasta
- 1/2 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl with baking soda, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Mix well and allow the shrimp to brine for 10 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until 1 minute less than al dente.
- Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and sauté for about 3 minutes or until pink and firm.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- If needed, add a little more olive oil.
- Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Cook for about 1 minute so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet.
- Add parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Brining the shrimp helps keep them juicy and tender.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Reserve extra pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent toughness.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan for extra richness if desired.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Pescatarian
Notes
- Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta work well.
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra vegetables.
- Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
Why brine shrimp with baking soda?
Baking soda helps shrimp retain moisture and improves texture, making them extra tender.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before brining.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair are all excellent choices.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
How do I prevent dry pasta?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen and refresh the sauce as needed.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
For Brining the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp 21/25 count, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Pasta
- 1/2 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl with baking soda, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Mix well and allow the shrimp to brine for 10 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until 1 minute less than al dente.
- Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and sauté for about 3 minutes or until pink and firm.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- If needed, add a little more olive oil.
- Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Cook for about 1 minute so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet.
- Add parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta work well.
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra vegetables.
- Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Serve with crusty bread and a green salad
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers everything you want in a quick and elegant seafood dinner. The combination of juicy shrimp, fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that’s bright, comforting, and packed with flavor. Once you try this easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe, it will quickly become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.