Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• Classic Italian‑American flavors with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs

• Uses whole shrimp shells to build a rich sauce

• Perfectly balanced with bright acidity and buttery richness

• Great for dinner parties or a special weeknight meal

• Easily paired with your favorite pasta shape

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp – we recommend jumbo shell‑on shrimp for the best flavor and homemade stock
lemon – freshly squeezed for bright acidity
dry white wine – forms the base of the sauce
garlic – sliced for bold, aromatic flavor
butter and olive oil – for cooking aromatics and enriching the sauce
fresh parsley – adds a fresh pop at the end
seasonings – red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and sugar for brining
pasta – ribbon‑shaped pasta like tagliatelle, linguine, or angel hair
Parmigiano Reggiano – grated and tossed with the pasta for savory depth

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp
   Remove the shells and tails from the shrimp, reserving the shells for stock. Devein the shrimp if needed.

2. Brine the shrimp
   Place the peeled shrimp in a cold brine of salt and sugar to chill (optional step for added flavor).

3. Make the shrimp stock
   Sauté the shrimp shells in oil briefly, then deglaze with white wine and simmer. Strain the liquid and reserve it.

4. Sauté aromatics
   In the same pan, heat olive oil and add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.

5. Build the sauce
   Add the shrimp stock, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in cold butter to create a smooth sauce.

6. Cook the shrimp
   Add the brined shrimp to the sauce and cook until opaque (about 2–5 minutes depending on size).

7. Cook the pasta
   Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

8. Combine and finish
   Toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, adding Parmigiano Reggiano and reserved pasta water as needed to coat the noodles and create a creamy finish. Garnish with parsley.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: about 40 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add cherry tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist

• Use chili oil instead of red pepper flakes for a spicier version

• Swap in scallops or lobster for an elevated seafood variation

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs

• Add spinach or arugula for a fresh green element

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce so the shrimp don’t overcook.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Cooked shrimp turn opaque and pink throughout; avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell‑on?

Yes, but using the shells to make stock adds deeper flavor to the sauce.

What type of white wine works best?

Use a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor.

Can I skip the brining step?

Yes — it enhances flavor but isn’t required.

What pasta shapes work well with this dish?

Long pastas like linguine, tagliatelle, angel hair, or fettuccine are ideal.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten‑free pasta in place of traditional pasta.

What can I substitute for white wine?

Chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice makes a good non‑alcohol alternative.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Add cold butter gradually while whisking to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, additions like cherry tomatoes or spinach can complement the flavors.

Is this dish suitable for entertaining?

Absolutely — it’s elegant enough for guests but simple to prepare.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a standout version of shrimp scampi with pasta, combining bright citrus, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and savory Parmigiano Reggiano. Its depth of flavor, restaurant‑quality sauce, and satisfying texture make it a memorable dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you stick with tradition or adapt with your favorite variations, it’s sure to become a go‑to seafood pasta in your recipe rotation.