Zesty, buttery, rich, and irresistibly creamy! This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta features juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed with tender spaghetti in a silky garlic-lemon butter cream sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of black pepper, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A Creamy, Zesty, Restaurant-Style Dinner

Juicy shrimp, tender spaghetti, and a rich lemon butter garlic cream sauce come together in this deliciously comforting pasta dish. It is quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal at home.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook for 2 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
7. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
8. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
9. Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, and pepper as desired.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

1. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the creamy lemon butter sauce.
2. Toss gently until every strand is coated.
3. Add more pasta water a little at a time if needed.
4. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
5. Toss gently for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta.
2. Add extra Parmesan cheese.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges and freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Enjoy every delicious bite of this buttery, garlicky, lemony shrimp pasta!

Nutrition Information

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 3 g
• Total Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 245 mg
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Potassium: 430 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, shrimp size, brands, and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and season before cooking.

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or angel hair pasta work beautifully.

Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A: Yes. You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although the sauce will be less rich.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
A: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them.

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
A: It is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead and combine them with freshly cooked pasta.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Q: How do I reheat shrimp pasta?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli are delicious additions.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use certified gluten-free pasta and check all ingredient labels to make it gluten-free.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Traditional spaghetti is high in carbohydrates. Substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb version.

Q: What can I serve with Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli make wonderful side dishes.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add them at the very end and warm gently to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best bright, zesty flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan), and gluten (traditional spaghetti).
• May contain: Egg, depending on the pasta used.
• Nut-free: The recipe does not intentionally include tree nuts or peanuts. Always check product labels for cross-contamination warnings.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Do not burn the garlic; it can make the sauce bitter.
• Add lemon juice gradually to balance the creamy sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.
• Use large shrimp for a beautiful restaurant-style presentation.
• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Final Note: This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of buttery richness, fresh citrus, tender shrimp, and creamy Parmesan goodness. A simple yet elegant dinner that everyone will love!