Reader FavoriteLemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Plump shrimp in a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce tossed with linguine. An elegant 25-minute dinner that feels restaurant-special but is genuinely simple to make.
By Mia HartwellUpdated January 17, 2026
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Restaurant-quality shrimp pasta in 25 minutes
- Bright lemon-garlic butter sauce
- 31g of protein per serving
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight
Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
25 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 480kcal
- Protein
- 31g
- Carbs
- 52g
- Fat
- 17g
- Fiber
- 3g
- Sugar
- 3g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Cook the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
- 3
Cook the shrimp 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink, opaque, and curled into a loose C shape. Remove to a plate.
- 4
Lower the heat to medium, melt the remaining butter, and cook the garlic and red pepper flakes 1 minute.
- 5
Add the lemon juice, zest, and pasta water, simmering 1 minute. Return the shrimp and add the linguine, tossing to coat.
- 6
Finish with parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don't overcook the shrimp — they're done the moment they turn pink and form a C; an O shape means overcooked and rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry so they sear rather than steam.
- Add the lemon at the end so its bright flavor stays fresh.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce into a silky coating.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Cook pasta and prep shrimp
Boil the linguine to al dente and reserve some pasta water. Pat the shrimp completely dry and season them — dry shrimp sear and pick up color, while wet shrimp steam and stay pale.
Sear the shrimp briefly
Shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes. Cook them only until they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C, then pull them out immediately. Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery, so it's better to undercook slightly since they warm again in the sauce.
Make the lemon butter sauce
Bloom the garlic in butter, then add lemon juice, zest, and pasta water to create a light, glossy sauce. Toss the pasta and shrimp back in to coat. The lemon keeps everything bright, and a final shower of parsley adds freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; shrimp are best eaten soon after cooking. Reheat very gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon butter shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?+
Yes. Thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly and don't water down the sauce.
How do I know the shrimp are done?+
They turn from gray to pink and opaque and curl into a loose 'C' — usually 1-2 minutes per side. A tight 'O' means they're overcooked.
What pasta works best?+
Linguine or spaghetti are classic, but any long noodle or even penne works well.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.