Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta

Name: Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces linguine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I absolutely love how quick and easy this Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta comes together! The combination of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich butter creates a tantalizing dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when I'm short on time but still want to impress my family or friends. Paired with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this pasta is a beautiful dish that tastes as good as it looks, making it one of my favorites to whip up during busy evenings or special occasions.

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:21:36.533Z

When I first experimented with this Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta, I wanted a dish that highlighted the beauty of simple ingredients. The method I followed allows the shrimp to soak in all the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic, creating a savory sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. I discovered that finishing the dish with freshly squeezed lemon juice really elevates the taste, making each bite bright and refreshing.

After trying various pasta shapes, I found that linguine works best, as it clings to the sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also enhances the herbal notes in the dish. This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, making me look forward to busy weeknights!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A vibrant balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness
Quick enough for a weeknight yet fancy for entertaining
Succulent shrimp that pairs perfectly with the pasta

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

The main ingredient in this Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta is undeniably the shrimp. Using large, fresh shrimp not only enhances the flavor but also gives a satisfying texture to the dish. When cooking shrimp, timing is key; they should be cooked just until pink and opaque. Overcooking them will result in a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them to ensure they remain tender and succulent.

Lemon plays a crucial role in this recipe, providing brightness to balance out the richness of the butter. The zest of the lemon is especially important, as it contains essential oils that add a potent flavor boost. When zesting, make sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the skin. A microplane grater works best for achieving fine zest that will disperse evenly throughout the sauce.

Perfecting the Sauce

The butter sauce in this recipe is what ties everything together, so it’s important to use unsalted butter to control the seasoning. Adding the stick of butter at low heat allows it to melt gently and blend with the lemon juice and zest into a glossy sauce. Stirring frequently helps incorporate the ingredients while preventing the butter from browning, which could alter the dish’s intended flavor profile.

If you find that the sauce is too thick after combining with the pasta, don’t hesitate to use the reserved pasta water. This starchy water not only helps thin the sauce but also aids in it adhering to the pasta more effectively. Add it slowly, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency—aim for a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the linguine.

Serving and Storing Tips

This pasta dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as the flavors are at their peak and the pasta has the ideal al dente texture. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook when reheated. Storing leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator is safe for up to three days, but note that the shrimp may lose some of their tenderness upon reheating.

For variations, try adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This not only enhances the dish with flavor but also adds a beautiful color contrast. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce right before serving.

Ingredients

Get ready to dive into a delicious meal with these simple ingredients:

For the pasta

12 ounces linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also utilizes a few key ingredients that can be found in any kitchen.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta:

Cook the pasta

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

Sauté the shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Combine and serve

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and butter, allowing it to melt and create a sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired sauce consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

And just like that, your Shrimp Lemon Butter Pasta is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine after sautéing the shrimp and let it reduce before adding the lemon and butter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have linguine on hand, fettuccine or spaghetti can serve as excellent alternatives. These shapes hold the sauce well and complement the shrimp beautifully. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas, ensuring it cooks according to the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

For those allergic to shellfish or looking for a vegetarian option, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms can make great substitutes. Chicken should be cooked until golden brown and fully cooked through, while mushrooms should be sautéed until they are tender and have released their moisture. Both alternatives will need slight adjustments in cooking time and method.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce separates or appears oily, this can happen if the heat is too high when incorporating the butter. Be sure to keep the heat at low and stir continuously to create an emulsion. Another tip is to incorporate the pasta while the butter is still melting, allowing the starch from the pasta to help bind the sauce together.

Should your shrimp become overcooked, they will lose their juicy texture. To counteract this, serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating to brighten and enhance the remaining flavors in the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also add a pleasing distraction and elevates the meal visually.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Advice

While I recommend enjoying this dish fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook and store the pasta separately, and sauté the shrimp just before serving to preserve their freshness. If storing the dish, remember that the pasta can absorb the sauce, so adding a little extra butter or olive oil before serving helps restore moisture.

For freezing, place the cooked pasta and shrimp in an airtight container, ensuring that there's enough sauce to coat all the ingredients. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This way, you'll have a delicious meal ready to go even on your busiest nights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

→ What can I substitute for shrimp?

You can use chicken or even vegetables like zucchini for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Asparagus or spinach would complement this dish beautifully.