Description
This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a zesty garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and herbs, making it a perfect choice for weeknights, special occasions, or a light Easter meal. With easy swaps for keto, Whole30, and gluten-free options, this dish is both versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine (or zucchini noodles for low-carb)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or ghee for Whole30)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (omit for Whole30)
Seasonings & Pantry Staples
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for a lighter option
- Cherry tomatoes or baby spinach (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta (or Low-Carb Option)
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- For zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, sauté in a pan with a bit of olive oil for 1-2 minutes until just tender.
2. Season & Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Combine Everything
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
- Add pasta (or low-carb noodles) and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning and loosen sauce with a splash of pasta water if needed.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (if using).
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and omit Parmesan.
- For a low-carb version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- For extra flavor: Add cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or mushrooms.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, low-carb shrimp pasta, keto shrimp pasta, quick seafood recipe