Go Back
If you're looking for a quick yet delicious meal that brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table, look no further than Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors, combining succulent shrimp with a bright lemony sauce that dances on the palate. Crafted in mere minutes, it presents an ideal solution for busy weeknights or an elegant option for special occasions.

Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone craving a quick yet gourmet meal. This easy-to-follow recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a bright, lemony butter sauce, creating a delightful burst of flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread. With fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and parsley, this meal is not only tasty but also nutritious. Enjoy a culinary experience that impresses!

Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, followed by the cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached.

            Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | Serves 4