Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Two
A bright, fresh, and easy lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe perfect for a quick 20-minute dinner for two. This dish balances tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and tender shrimp tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170 grams) spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
- 12 ounces (340 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-sized preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Lower heat and add butter (if using) to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour in about 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the pan along with drained pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly with the lemon garlic sauce. Add chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, optionally drizzling with good-quality olive oil for added richness.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Adjust seasoning gradually. For dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based alternative. Smaller shrimp cook more evenly and quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half the
- Calories: 400450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, 20-minute meal, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta