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A close-up overhead shot of a delicious bowl of Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese.
Layla

Zesty Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

This vibrant Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta features succulent shrimp coated in a zesty, garlicky Parmesan crust, tossed with al dente pasta in a light, bright lemon-butter sauce. It's a quick yet elegant meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional, or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Tongs
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. In a medium bowl, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic (from the 'For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp' section), lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil (from the 'For the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp' section) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
  1. In the same skillet (do not clean it, the browned bits add flavor), melt the butter and add 2 tbsp olive oil (from the 'For the Lemon Butter Sauce' section) over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic (from the 'For the Lemon Butter Sauce' section) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the white wine (if using) or chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chicken broth and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (from the 'For the Lemon Butter Sauce' section). Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the remaining 1/4 cup fresh parsley (from the 'For the Lemon Butter Sauce' section). Gently toss everything together.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch of richness, a splash of heavy cream (1/4 cup) can be added to the sauce along with the broth. This dish is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. Feel free to add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes for added vegetables.