Go Back
To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine, you need these key items: - 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients create a tasty, fresh dish. The shrimp and garlic pair well with zesty lemon. You can add more flavor with these extras: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness - Spinach for color and nutrition - Capers for a briny touch - A splash of white wine for depth These options let you customize the dish to your taste. You can mix and match to find what you love. If you need alternatives, here are some swaps: - Use spaghetti or fettuccine instead of linguine. - Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken. - Replace fresh parsley with basil or cilantro. - Use lemon juice from a bottle if you lack fresh lemons. These substitutions help if you can’t find something or want to try new flavors. Each change brings its own twist to this classic dish. Start by boiling salted water in a big pot. Add the linguine and cook it as the package says. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Before you drain the pasta, save half a cup of the water. This water has starch, which helps your sauce stick. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook one side for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Then, flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The shrimp should be fully cooked but not rubbery. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the lemon juice and zest from your freshly squeezed lemon. Pour in a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together to mix the flavors. If the sauce looks too thick, add more pasta water until it’s just right. Now, add your cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. The key to great shrimp is cooking time. Shrimp cooks fast. You want them pink and firm. Cook them for only 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Then flip them and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. So, watch them closely! Fresh herbs make your dish pop. I love using parsley in this recipe. It adds a bright, fresh taste. Chop it finely and stir it in at the end. You can also try basil or chives for a different twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Start by adding a bit of pasta water to the skillet. This helps combine the flavors. If it looks dry, add more water gradually. The goal is to coat the pasta well without making it watery. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your lemon garlic shrimp linguine by adding vegetables. Some great choices include spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. These vegetables not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. - Spinach: Add fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a nice green touch. - Cherry Tomatoes: Cut them in half and toss them in with the shrimp. They add sweetness and juiciness. - Bell Peppers: Slice them thin and sauté them with the garlic for a crunchy texture. These vegetables complement the shrimp and make your meal even healthier. If you want to switch things up, try different pasta types. While linguine works great, other options can bring new flavors and textures. - Spaghetti: This classic pasta is a perfect substitute. It holds sauce well and cooks quickly. - Zoodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini is fantastic. It adds freshness and is very light. - Whole Wheat Pasta: This option increases fiber and provides a nutty flavor, making the dish more filling. Experimenting with these pasta choices can add a new twist to your meal. For those who enjoy a kick, you can easily spice up your lemon garlic shrimp linguine. Adding more heat can elevate the dish to a whole new level. - Red Pepper Flakes: Increase the amount from 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon for a bolder flavor. - Fresh Jalapeños: Slice them thinly and toss them in with the shrimp. They add both heat and crunch. - Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish for a spicy finish. These additions will not only wake up your taste buds but also give you a fun twist on a classic dish. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine fresh, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, the goal is to restore the dish’s flavor and texture. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the pasta. Stir until heated through. You can also microwave it, but add a little water to prevent drying out. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine for up to three months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This will help them cook evenly. Avoid cooking them straight from frozen. They may not cook well and can be rubbery. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for dipping in sauce - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A light white wine to enhance the meal These options complement the dish's bright flavors and make a balanced meal. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or olive oil while reheating. Enjoy this dish throughout the week! In this blog post, we explored key ingredients and step-by-step cooking for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, substitutions, and variations for added flavor. I provided tips for perfect shrimp and sauce consistency. Lastly, I covered storage options and frequently asked questions. Now, you can confidently make this dish and customize it to your taste. Enjoy your delicious meal, and feel free to experiment with new flavors!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine

Indulge in a delightful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This easy pasta recipe features succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, creating a meal that excites your taste buds. Perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests, this dish pairs well with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them to cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then add the reserved lemon juice and zest to the skillet. Pour in some reserved pasta water – start with a couple of tablespoons, adding more as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

          Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the lemony shrimp sauce. If it seems dry, add a little more reserved pasta water.

            Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

              Serve and Garnish: Plate the linguine and shrimp mixture onto serving plates, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley for garnish.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4