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Dinner

Easy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

This bright and citrusy lemon shrimp pasta is the perfect quick meal for a busy weeknight.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· August 6, 2026
Easy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

When Sunday rolls around, I love making a dinner that feels special but does not keep me in the kitchen for hours. This lemon shrimp pasta is a family favorite because it uses fresh, simple ingredients that come together in just a few minutes.

My best tip for this recipe is to keep a close eye on the shrimp while they cook. They only need a minute or two on each side to turn pink and opaque, so pull them off the heat right away to keep them tender and juicy.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer.

  4. 4

    Cook the shrimp for about two minutes per side until they are pink and cooked through, then remove them from the pan.

  5. 5

    Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan along with the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for one minute until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil, tossing well to coat.

  7. 7

    Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the cooked shrimp.

  8. 8

    Top with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese before serving warm.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This dish is great served with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to round out your meal.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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