Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously indulgent meal made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes. Each bite features tender shrimp enveloped in a buttery lemon garlic sauce, complemented by freshly grated Parmesan. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of pasta, Italian-seasoned shrimp, and spinach creates a balance of rich flavors and freshness. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, while the lemon juice brightens every mouthful. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please seafood lovers.
Perfect for weeknights, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, making cleanup a breeze with just one pot. Treat yourself to this comforting, flavor-packed meal!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
- Linguine Pasta: The foundation of the dish, linguine’s long, smooth texture perfectly captures the rich, buttery sauce in each bite, creating a luscious experience.
- Shrimp: Fresh, plump shrimp bring a delightful sweetness and tender texture, absorbing the garlic lemon sauce for an irresistible taste.
- Butter & Olive Oil: A luxurious blend that forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and richness to each ingredient it touches.
- Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Bold and aromatic, garlic pairs with a hint of heat from the red pepper, infusing warmth and complexity.
- Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and savory, freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, enriching the pasta with a silky finish.
- Lemon Juice: A bright squeeze of lemon juice lifts and balances, cutting through the richness and refreshing each bite.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Fresh shrimp, garlic, and spinach bring out the best in this dish. Freshly peeled garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, which can lose its potency. Similarly, fresh spinach maintains its color and texture, adding a vibrant contrast to the pasta. When possible, opt for fresh, uncooked shrimp over pre-cooked varieties. They will cook up perfectly tender and absorb the flavors of the garlic, butter, and lemon sauce beautifully. - Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan. To avoid overcooking, add the shrimp when the garlic is fragrant, and cook only until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes just a few minutes per side. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly undercook them, as they’ll continue to cook a bit in the residual heat of the sauce. - Balance the Lemon and Parmesan
Lemon and Parmesan are key ingredients that bring brightness and creaminess to the dish. Start with a light squeeze of lemon juice, and add more to taste if needed; the acidity should enhance, not overpower, the shrimp and buttery sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy richness, but adding it all at once may cause clumping. Stir in the Parmesan gradually over low heat to achieve a silky, melted consistency.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Bread
A classic side, garlic bread complements the flavors of the pasta perfectly, adding a toasty crunch. The garlic and butter in the bread echo the pasta’s flavors, while the crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the smooth pasta and tender shrimp. - Simple Green Salad
A light green salad with arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal. The acidity from the vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience that’s satisfying yet not overly heavy. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini add vibrant color and flavor to the plate. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil are all that’s needed to bring out their natural sweetness, making a beautiful pairing with the pasta’s buttery, garlicky sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. Each type offers a slightly different texture but will work well with the sauce and shrimp.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: This dish is best served fresh, as reheating shrimp can make them rubbery. However, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately a few hours ahead and quickly cook the shrimp when ready to serve.
Q: Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
A: Pecorino Romano is a good alternative; it has a similar texture but a slightly saltier, sharper flavor. Adjust the seasoning if using Pecorino to prevent it from overpowering the dish.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Add them in with the spinach and cook until they’re just tender for a heartier, more colorful dish.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta 8 ounces
- Large shrimp 1 1/4 pound, peeled and deveined
- Butter divided (6 tablespoons)
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Garlic minced (4 cloves)
- Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
- Baby spinach 4 cups
- Parmesan cheese freshly grated (1/2 cup)
- Parsley finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
- Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the linguine according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, then add them to the pot. Sauté the shrimp until they turn a light pink, ensuring they are cooked through. Add the Italian seasoning and baby spinach, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and add the remaining butter, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pour in the lemon juice and toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the dish’s rich flavors.
