Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Herbs: A Culinary Delight

Indulge your taste buds with an exquisite dish that combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and the zesty brightness of lemon in our Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Herbs. This delightful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The marriage of flavors in this dish creates a symphony that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

To create this delicious pasta dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

8 ounces of linguine or fettuccine
Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Additional parsley and basil
Lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the remaining water. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Season Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add Flavors: Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Make the Base: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Cheese: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and basil, and lemon wedges on the side.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Selection: Opt for wild-caught shrimp if possible. They often have a better flavor and texture compared to farmed shrimp.
Pasta Cooking: Ensure that your pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
Cream Sauce: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, although it will be less rich.
Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate your dish significantly. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can work in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version. You can also add in spinach for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Non-Dairy Option: For a vegan alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, consider serving with:

A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into that luscious sauce.
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to enhance the lemony flavors.

Photography Ideas

Capture the vibrancy of your dish by arranging the pasta beautifully on a plate, drizzling some extra sauce over the top, and adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A lemon wedge on the side and a glass of wine will enhance the visual appeal.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Herbs