Shrimp Pasta Perfection: Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Shrimp pasta with lemon butter sauce is a classic dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright, zesty lemon butter sauce complements the sweet shrimp beautifully, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to ensure your shrimp pasta is a success every time.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The lemon butter sauce is rich, tangy, and incredibly flavorful.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or herbs.
* **Impressive:** It looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
* 1/2 cup butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet
* Colander
* Lemon zester
* Lemon juicer
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect shrimp pasta with lemon butter sauce.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm and slightly chewy.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they brown properly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
3. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Overcooked shrimp are tough and lack flavor. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
2. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. The wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and proceed directly to adding the lemon juice.
3. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine. The lemon juice provides the acidity that balances the richness of the butter, while the lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Stir in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and create a creamy texture, while the Parmesan cheese adds richness and saltiness.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in the delicious lemon butter sauce.
2. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to break the shrimp while tossing.
3. Serve the shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of heat.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Pasta

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish. Use fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley whenever possible.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Salt the Pasta Water:** Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a creamy texture.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
* **Serve Immediately:** Shrimp pasta is best served immediately while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is creamy.

Variations and Additions

* **Add Vegetables:** You can add vegetables like asparagus, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pasta. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to make the dish spicier.
* **Add Cream:** For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet.
* **Use Different Seafood:** Substitute the shrimp with scallops, mussels, or clams.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp pasta with lemon butter sauce is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish nicely.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the pasta may become slightly mushy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on the recipe as written):

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Detailed Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes

**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Total Time:** 30 minutes

**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
* 1/2 cup butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Add the cooked shrimp and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp pasta with lemon butter sauce! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet.

No matter how you choose to customize it, this shrimp pasta with lemon butter sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that you’ll love making again and again. The detailed instructions and tips provided in this recipe will help you achieve perfect results every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Bon appétit!