Creamy Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Zesty Pasta (Print Version)
Creamy lemon shrimp spaghetti with a bright, zesty sauce. This easy pasta dish combines succulent shrimp, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, citrusy cream sauce for a satisfying meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta Foundation
01 -
12 oz spaghetti
→ Sizzling Shrimp & Aromatics
02 -
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ The Zesty Cream Dream
06 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
08 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
Zest of 1 large lemon
10 -
Juice of 1/2 large lemon
11 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Fresh Finish & Seasoning
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
13 -
Salt to taste
14 -
Black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the 12 oz spaghetti. While it heats, prepare the 1 lb large shrimp, peeling and deveining them. Mince 4 cloves garlic, zest 1 large lemon, and chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Have all your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process.
02 -
Once the water boils, add the 12 oz spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will be crucial for achieving the perfect consistency in your Creamy Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Season the 1 lb large shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste. Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Sauté 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. This forms the aromatic base for your Creamy Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe.
05 -
Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the zest of 1 large lemon and the juice of 1/2 large lemon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 -
Add the cooked spaghetti, cooked shrimp, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency for the Creamy Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe.
07 -
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Serve your delicious Creamy Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe immediately for the best flavor and texture.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and can become rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
02 -
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even a bit more pasta water can be used.
03 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Tongs
04 -
Zester
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 890 kcal
Total Fat: 49 g
Total Carbohydrate: 69 g
Protein: 38 g