Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delicious pasta dish made with juicy, succulent shrimp, cooked in a creamy lemon sauce, and served over a bed of al dente pasta. The dish typically consists of cooked shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and seasonings, all simmered together to create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp.
The lemon in the sauce provides a tangy, bright flavor that balances the richness of the cream, while the garlic adds depth and a slightly pungent taste. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
There are several reasons why you'll love Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta:
Easy to make: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this dish is surprisingly simple to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The tangy lemon, rich cream, nutty Parmesan, and fresh parsley come together to create a delicious, well-balanced sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and shrimp.
Succulent shrimp: The juicy, tender shrimp add a delicious, seafood flavor to the dish and provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Versatile: This dish can be easily customized to suit your tastes. For example, you can add more lemon for a tangier flavor, or more cream for a richer sauce.
Impressive presentation: The creamy, lemon-yellow sauce and plump, pink shrimps make for an attractive and appetizing dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Overall, Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated meal to serve to guests, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta:
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb. spaghetti or pasta of your choice
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional lemon wedges and grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
In addition to the ingredients, you will also need a large pot for boiling the pasta, a large pan for cooking the shrimp and sauce, and a mixing bowl for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
Here are some substitutions and variations that you can make to the creamy lemon shrimp pasta dish:
Substitutions:
Shrimp: If you don't like shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken, scallops, or any other seafood of your choice.
Pasta: Any type of pasta can be used instead of linguine. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles can be used.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Butter: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Grana Padano can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Garlic lovers: Increase the amount of minced garlic or add roasted garlic to the sauce.
Veggie-packed: Add some steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus, to the dish.
Herby: Add some fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or thyme, to the sauce for extra flavor.
These are just a few suggestions, feel free to get creative and make the dish your own!
What to serve with creamy shrimp pasta
Creamy shrimp pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that can be complemented with a variety of side dishes. Some options include:
Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can help to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread: Freshly baked garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes and pairs well with the flavors in the creamy shrimp pasta.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, are a healthy and flavorful option to serve with creamy shrimp pasta.
Wine: A crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can help to cut through the richness of the dish and complement the flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
No matter what you choose, make sure to select sides that complement the flavors in the pasta and help to balance out the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Pasta should be cooked as directed on the package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Toast the olive oil painting in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until ambrosial, about 1 nanosecond. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 3- 4 twinkles. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set away.
Add the white wine to the same skillet and let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the admixture to a poach. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan rubbish and season with a swab and pepper to taste.
To mix, add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce.
Serve the creamy shrimp pasta in bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy shrimp pasta!