How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in Just 20 Minutes

Did You Know? 60% of Americans Eat Pasta at Least Once a Week!

Pasta is one of the most-loved dishes worldwide, with over 60% of Americans enjoying it weekly. If you’re a pasta lover, why not take it up a notch with this Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

This quick and easy pasta recipe is bursting with flavor—succulent shrimp, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and a zesty touch of lemon. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Let’s dive into this restaurant-quality dish you can make in your own kitchen!

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients to use for making Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  - 1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
  - 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  - ¼ teaspoon salt
  - ½ teaspoon black pepper
  - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  - 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

For the Creamy Sauce:

- - 1 tablespoon butter
  - 1 cup heavy cream
  - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  - ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  - ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

For the Pasta:

- - 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti (cooked according to package directions)
  - ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cooking the Shrimp

1. 1. In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the shrimp, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, then remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Preparing the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. 1. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth.
  4. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

A pan of freshly cooked Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with melted cheese on top.

Combining Everything

1. 1. Return the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the sauce.
  2. Add the shrimp back in and stir until well-coated.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Tips and Variations

If you love a bit of heat in your pasta, sprinkle in some extra red pepper flakes. The spicy kick complements the rich, creamy sauce and enhances the garlicky goodness. You can also try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for even more heat.
Want to enjoy a creamy pasta dish without the extra calories? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Half-and-half maintains the richness but cuts down on fat, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and a boost of protein.
To make this dish even more filling, add grilled chicken, scallops, or even salmon. These protein-packed additions pair perfectly with the creamy lemon garlic sauce and add a heartier texture to the dish. If you want a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or canned tuna can work as well.
Add some color and extra nutrients to your pasta by tossing in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Spinach wilts quickly and blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, while mushrooms add a meaty texture and umami flavor.
Need a dairy-free version? Swap out the heavy cream and cheese for coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Coconut cream keeps the sauce smooth and creamy without any dairy, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor. You can also try using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to maintain the classic pasta taste.

Health Benefits of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

1. High in Protein, Low in Calories

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. With low calories and high protein content, shrimp helps support muscle growth, tissue repair, and weight management.

2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Seafood, including shrimp, is known for its omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. They also play a key role in supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of age-related mental decline.

A plate of freshly made Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

3. Loaded with Antioxidants

Did you know that shrimp contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant? This natural compound fights inflammation, protects against oxidative stress, and may even slow signs of aging. Astaxanthin is also linked to better skin health, helping to protect your skin from sun damage and improve elasticity.

4. Great for Bone Health

This recipe includes Parmesan cheese, which is packed with calcium and vitamin D, both essential for strong bones and teeth. Calcium helps maintain bone density and prevents conditions like osteoporosis, while vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, ensuring your body gets the most out of this essential mineral.

Make Your Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Today!

And there you have it—Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in all its silky, garlicky, lemony glory. It’s rich, but not too rich. Bright, but not too tangy. Basically, it’s that perfect balance of comfort food and fresh flavors that makes you feel like you totally have your life together (even if you’re eating it straight from the pan in your pajamas—zero judgment).

This pasta doesn’t need anything else, but if you want to throw in extra cheese, a squeeze more lemon, or maybe a side of crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce? By all means, go for it. You deserve it.

Now, grab a fork and dig in. And hey—if you make this, tell me about it. Did you add spice? Extra veggies? Did you also inhale it way too fast because it was that good? Let me know!

Kitchen Tools You Need

Garlic Press – Easily mince garlic for bold flavors.
Large Skillet – Perfect for cooking shrimp and sauce.
Pasta Strainer – Drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
Microplane Zester – Get the perfect lemon zest.
Wooden Spoon – Stir your creamy sauce effortlessly.

Check out these kitchen tools at Zulay Kitchen to upgrade your cooking experience!

Share Your Thoughts!

Did you try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta? Let us know in the comments! What’s your favorite pasta dish? We’d love to hear from you!

And don’t forget—share this recipe with your friends and family! Tag @zulay_kitchen and use #kitchenhappiness on social media!

A plate of freshly cooked Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta for lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for 5 minutes.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine, fettuccine, and spaghetti work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.