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Easy Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

This Easy Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta is bright, buttery, and packed with tender shrimp. A quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, and serve immediately. A side of crusty bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with this dish for a complete meal.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Colander

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to noodles.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; remove as soon as pink.
  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if needed.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Add seasonal ingredients like cherry tomatoes or asparagus for variety.