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Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
5 from 30 votes

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta combines al dente linguine with sautéed shrimp in a rich cream sauce infused with fresh lemon zest, juice, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Parmesan cheese adds depth and texture to the smooth sauce, which is finished with butter for richness and garnished with parsley for color and freshness.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. linguine dry
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. Shrimp or extra large, large
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 4 Tbsp butter cut into 1-Tbsp pieces
  • 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan Cheese (2.5 oz)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 Tbsp parsley for garnish (optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (with about 4 quarts water). Season water with salt and cook pasta to al dente according to directions listed on package. Before draining reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  2. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Dab shrimp dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper. Add to skillet in a single layer.
  4. Let cook until pink on bottom, about 1 - 2 minutes. Add garlic, turn shrimp and continue to cook until cooked through (shrimp should be opaque).
  5. Transfer shrimp to a sheet of foil and wrap loosely to keep warm.
  6. In a medium saucepan heat cream along with lemon zest and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer until reduced slightly, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add in butter and whisk until melted.
  8. Remove cream mixture from heat, then stir in parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. In the skillet used to cook shrimp toss the drained linguine with sauce and lemon juice. Thin with pasta water as needed. Toss in shrimp.
  10. Serve warm garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Shrimp packages often list gross weight; peeled shrimp typically weigh about 1 pound per 1 1/4 pounds labeled.