Who isn’t in love with spaghetti with gourmet shrimp? This basic meal comes with nice and luxurious tastes. Combining shrimp, divine tender lemon, and bursts of buttery richness, served with an excellent cooked pasta; this dish is the showstopper of anybody who makes it because of how simple it is to prepare and eat. It is a dinner of almost every evening-a possible course for an elegant entertainment.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Done in less than 30 minutes and convenient for a busy weeknight.
Flavorful: - The combination of lemon and butter with shrimp creates a burst of fresh and savory flavors.
- Versatile: Itcan be cooked as a family meal, dinner for a date night, or as potluck.
- Healthy & Satisfying: There are good proteins, carbs, and fat
- Minimal Cleanup: Uses only a few pots and pans, making them easy to clean up after.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Zester and juicer for lemon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serves
This recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for a small dinner party or a cozy family meal.
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the remaining butter and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and gently mix to combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley for extra flavor.
Additional Tips For Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the brightness of the dish.
- Swap Proteins: Try scallops or chicken if shrimp isn’t your thing.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work wonderfully for this dish.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil and skip the Parmesan.
4. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or white wine are excellent alternatives.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms pair well with the dish.
6. How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
7. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
8. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
Add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water if you prefer a thicker sauce.
10. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, you can omit the red pepper flakes to make it more suitable for kids.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and effortless recipe that brings gourmet flavors right to your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Make Easy And Effortless Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Zester and juicer for lemon
- – Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti or linguine recommended
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the remaining butter and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and gently mix to combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
How to Serve
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley for extra flavor.
Some Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the brightness of the dish.
- Swap Proteins: Try scallops or chicken if shrimp isn’t your thing.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.