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Zesty Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with a refreshing twist. This recipe is a culinary celebration of vibrant flavors, where succulent shrimp is paired with a creamy, zesty sauce that perfectly coats your choice of pasta. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its balance of tangy lemon, rich cream, and aromatic garlic creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate, making it a favorite among seafood and pasta lovers alike.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Zesty Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish features succulent shrimp enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce, combined with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. Choose your favorite pasta, cook it in just 30 minutes, and relish the balance of flavors. A delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight everyone at your table!

Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 cup heavy cream

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

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

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.

        Create the Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

          Bring It Together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the pasta in large bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side for an additional zesty kick.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4