Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe! Each time I make it, I am greeted with the comforting aromas of garlic and fresh lemon that evoke memories of special dinners shared with family and friends. The creaminess of the sauce beautifully complements the succulent shrimp, creating a delightful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to whip up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those busy nights when you crave something delicious yet effortless.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:25:36.511Z

When I first crafted this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta, I wanted to bring together the flavors I adored while keeping the dish uncomplicated. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest lifts the dish, adding a brightness that counters the richness of the creamy sauce. I discovered that tossing the shrimp with a pinch of salt before cooking really enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.

I also find that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference. It melts beautifully, infusing the sauce with a savory depth that you just can't achieve with pre-grated cheese. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your household!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy and tangy sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes
Bright flavors from fresh lemon zest and juice elevate the dish

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to selecting the perfect pasta for this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta, fettuccine and spaghetti are ideal choices due to their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. Fettuccine's flat shape captures more sauce, while spaghetti offers a delightful bite. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try linguine or even whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as different types of pasta may vary in cooking duration.

Don't forget to generously salt your pasta water. This not only enhances the flavor of the pasta itself but also elevates the final dish. Aim for water that tastes as salty as the sea. Additionally, reserving some pasta water is crucial; it acts as a secret ingredient that can help you achieve the desired sauce consistency later on.

Perfecting the Sauce

The key to a luscious sauce lies in the balance of flavors. Using heavy cream is essential here as it creates that rich, creamy texture, but if you need a lighter alternative, you could substitute half the cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based option like almond milk. Keep in mind that using alternatives may slightly alter the consistency, so consider thickening it with a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Incorporating fresh lemon zest and juice not only brightens the dish but also enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness. For the best flavor, use a Microplane grater to zest the lemon finely, and be cautious not to zest too deeply; the white pith beneath can add bitterness. When adding lemon juice, start with half and taste before adding more; this way, you can control the tanginess.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the pasta from drying out, add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water before sealing. When reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat to gently warm the dish, stirring frequently. This method helps maintain the creamy texture, preventing the sauce from breaking.

Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the cream in the sauce. Cream can separate once frozen and thawed, leading to an undesirable texture. However, if you find yourself needing to batch cook, consider preparing the shrimp and sauce separately, freezing them, and cooking fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.

Variations and Additions

Looking to customize your Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta? You can easily add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Sauté them alongside the shrimp for a wonderful burst of color and nutrition. Not only do greens enhance the dish’s aesthetics, but they also provide added flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust cooking times slightly, especially for denser vegetables like asparagus.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes before adding the cream, which will give the sauce a lovely complexity. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of capers on top when serving can also elevate the dish with additional crunch and brightness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sautéed broccoli or asparagus would work beautifully.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.