Description
Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp is a zesty and savory dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon zest, and a creamy sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. This quick and flavorful pasta recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of shrimp, ideal for weeknight dinners or special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente (9-13 minutes). Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. -
Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and 1½ teaspoons black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. -
Combine:
Return shrimp to skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
