Quick, delicious, and ready in about 20 minutes, this lemon butter garlic shrimp pasta brings together tender shrimp, bright lemon, rich butter, and garlic with pasta for a satisfying dinner any night. Elegant yet simple, it’s perfect for seafood lovers and busy weeknights alike. #30MinuteMeals #ShrimpRecipes #EasyDinner
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Done in under 30 minutes—great for忙忙 weeknights
Elegant flavors—lemony, buttery, garlicky—all in one pan
Kid-friendly without being bland
Super flexible—add your favorite pasta or skip the butter for olive oil
Minimal cleanup with one or two pots
Customizable to your pantry and dietary needs
Ingredients (Serves 4)
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan (if desired)
Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or cream for richness
How to Make It
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (reserve some pasta water, about ½ cup), then drain.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, seasoning lightly, and cook ~1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce & Combine:
Lower heat. Add lemon juice and zest, then pasta water to the pan, stirring to loosen flavors. Return cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan. Toss until coated. Add parsley and Parmesan if using, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Serve Immediately:
Dish up onto plates, garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Tips for Success
Avoid overcooking shrimp—they cook in under 4 minutes total.
Use unsalted butter or olive oil to control salt levels with shrimp and pasta water.
Reserve pasta water to emulsify and loosen the sauce naturally.
Fresh lemon zest + juice bring the best brightness. Bottled juice just won’t compare.
Variations to Try
Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to bulk it up.
Creamy variation: Stir in ¼ cup cream or half & half at the end.
Use olive oil only if you prefer a lighter finish or vegan option.
Gluten-free friendly: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Rich and indulgent: Add a sprinkle of feta or a swirl of ricotta.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
Prep in advance: Cook shrimp and garlic, refrigerate separately. Final assembly takes minutes.
Reheating: Warm gently with a splash of pasta water to revive sauciness. Best eaten fresh but still tasty next day.
Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
Calories: ≈450 kcal
Protein: ≈25g
Carbs: ≈50g
Fat: ≈18g
Sodium: Moderate, adjustable to taste
Switch to whole wheat pasta or olive oil to lower calories and fat as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to preserve texture.
Can I substitute pasta?
Absolutely—zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pasta all work.
Is it okay to add cream?
Yes! Add it after returning pasta and shrimp for a creamy variation.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes—cooked components store in the fridge for 2 days and reheat quickly.
What Others Say
Chef Southern Living highlights how lemon garlic butter shrimp can elevate simple dinners and reduce food waste—plus it’s flexible and customizable for busy cooks.
Shrimp lovers rave on food sites that lemon butter garlic shrimp pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor home fast, balanced, and bright—even with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp garden salad for a lighter contrast.
Add crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Pair with sautéed greens or a side of roasted veggies for a complete plate.
Final Thoughts
This lemon butter garlic shrimp pasta is fast, fresh, and flavorful—perfect for satisfying diners and tired cooks. It makes weeknight meals feel sophisticated with minimal ingredients and fuss. Let me know if you’d like a printable card or help turning this into a meal prep plan!
