If you’re craving a dish that delivers a delightful punch of bright, zesty, and creamy flavors, this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly cooked linguini tossed with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that sings with the freshness of lemon, the richness of Parmesan, and that wonderful garlic warmth. It’s comfort food elevated to something vibrant and special — perfect for dinner parties or a cozy weeknight treat that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows all the ingredients for a shrimp pasta dish arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with raw shrimp that are grayish-white with dark tails. Next to it on the left is a whole bright yellow lemon and a stick of salted butter with blue text on the wrapper. Below these, on the left side, there is a bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti pasta laying flat. Below the shrimp bowl, there are small white bowls holding different ingredients: one with minced garlic, one with red chili flakes, one with chopped white onions, one with green dried herbs, one with golden olive oil, a small bowl with salt, and another one with black pepper. At the bottom left corner, there is a wedge of pale yellow hard cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines with a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful color that make this dish unforgettable. Using fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and a generous helping of Parmesan creates a perfect balance you’ll want on repeat.

1.5 pounds large shrimp (uncooked): Fresh or thawed shrimp adds juicy, tender protein that cooks quickly.
16 oz linguini: The perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and wrap around those tasty shrimp.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fragrant, smooth base for sautéing and blends beautifully with butter.
6 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce that coats every strand of linguini.
1 cup white or yellow onion (chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down till tender.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the star flavor that brings warmth and a hint of spice to the dish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds herbaceous notes without overpowering.
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of green and a mild peppery kick.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a creamy, umami-packed finish.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: The zesty lemon juice injects a fresh, tangy spark that lifts the whole dish.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to add excitement without overwhelming the flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the ingredients together.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook gently until the onion becomes tender and translucent, releasing a sweet, fragrant base that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Seasonings for Depth

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, stirring so their aromas bloom. This step only takes about a minute but builds the foundation of flavor that will make the shrimp and pasta sauce pop with complexity.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook just until the shrimp begin to turn pink, which usually takes a couple of minutes per side. Ensuring the shrimp is perfectly cooked keeps it juicy and tender — no rubbery bites here.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Cheese

Stir in the cooked linguini followed by the remaining four tablespoons of butter, chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, allowing the butter and cheese to melt into a creamy coating that clings to each noodle and shrimp piece beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta and give it one last toss. That bright hit of lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds a fresh lift that makes this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe

The image shows two white plates and one white bowl filled with shrimp pasta. Each plate has a base layer of light yellow pasta topped with several pink-orange cooked shrimp scattered on top. The shrimp are mixed with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled over the dish. Grated cheese is lightly sprinkled on the pasta, adding a textured white layer. The larger white bowl, placed on a woven mat, is heaped with more shrimp pasta, with a silver fork inside. The background is a warm wooden table with a halved lemon, grated cheese, and a small bowl of chopped herbs on the sides. The scene has a cozy, rustic feel with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra freshly chopped parsley or a little more grated Parmesan right before serving can make the dish feel even more special and inviting. For an added touch of color and flavor, some thin lemon slices or a few chili flakes on top can wow your guests visually and tantalize their taste buds.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce, or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli also make fantastic, healthy companions that add texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, twirl portions of the pasta onto warm plates using a fork and large spoon for a proud peak of noodles and shrimp. Serve family style in a pretty serving bowl with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a little extra zing if they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool a bit, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep it tightly sealed so the flavors stay vibrant and the shrimp doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze this pasta by placing it in a freezer-safe container with some sauce to help prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery. Use within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Avoid microwaving on high as shrimp can become tough; low and slow heat works best to keep the pasta creamy and perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.

What pasta works best with this dish?

Linguini is ideal because its flat, slightly wide shape holds the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or fettuccine can be great alternatives as well.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

How can I make this spicier?

Simply increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. If you love heat, a finely chopped fresh chili pepper added with the garlic works wonderfully too.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can chop the onions, garlic, and parsley ahead of time, and even pre-cook the pasta slightly to save time when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it feels like such an effortless way to impress, delight, and satisfy. The bright lemon and garlic combo mixed with creamy Parmesan and tender shrimp is truly a crowd-pleaser. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own — enjoy every vibrant, delicious bite!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Recipe