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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Flavor

A close-up of Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Flavor, topped with parsley and lemon zest.
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Make this quick and flavorful shrimp pasta featuring a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  6. Pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
  10. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice changes the taste profile.
  • If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic to 3 cloves.

Nutrition

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