If you’re dreaming of a pasta dish that’s creamy, bright, and ridiculously easy to pull together, look no further! 🍋🦐 This Lemon Cream Pasta with Shrimp is everything you love about comforting pasta dinners but with a zesty, citrus twist. I made it with mafaldine pasta, and wow — the little ruffles caught every drop of that dreamy lemon cream sauce! Let’s jump in because trust me, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. 🫶
Why You’ll Fall in Love With Lemon Cream Pasta with Shrimp
- Quick and Impressive: From stovetop to plate in about 30 minutes.
- Deliciously Creamy: Thanks to heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Bright and Fresh: Lemon cuts the richness perfectly.
- Feels Fancy, Stays Simple: Perfect for weeknights and date nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this luscious shrimp pasta, grab the following:
- ½ lb pasta (mafaldine, fettuccine, or linguine are great choices)
- ½ lb raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Olive oil (a light drizzle for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Seasonings: paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Dash of white wine (optional but highly recommended)
- Red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)
- Fresh lemon juice (for the magic touch!)
How to Make Lemon Cream Pasta with Shrimp
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water — this will help you create the creamiest sauce later on.
Pro Tip: Mafaldine pasta is especially beautiful and perfect for catching every bit of sauce!
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, prepare your shrimp.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with a mixture of paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with a little olive oil to help the seasonings stick nicely.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.
Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned shrimp. Sauté for about 2 minutes per side or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden.
After cooking, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Without cleaning the pan, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Immediately deglaze the pan with a small splash of white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the same spices you used on the shrimp to keep the flavor profile consistent.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
At this point, it’s time to assemble! Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce along with:
- A small amount of reserved pasta water
- The cooked shrimp
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Toss everything well to coat, adding extra pasta water a little at a time if needed. You want the sauce to be silky, glossy, and just clingy enough.
Step 6: Add the Lemon Magic
Right before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. This final step brightens up the dish and brings a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Top with more Parmesan if desired, and don’t be shy about a few extra red pepper flakes!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Pasta with Shrimp
✨ Use Fresh Shrimp: Quality shrimp really makes the dish sing.
✨ Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook fast! As soon as they’re opaque, they’re done.
✨ Reserve the Pasta Water: It’s the key to a smooth, creamy sauce.
✨ Finish with Lemon: Always add the lemon at the end to preserve its brightness.
✨ Balance the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Fun Variations to Try
- Switch Up the Protein: Grilled chicken, scallops, or even lobster would be divine.
- Add Some Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or arugula at the end for extra color and nutrients.
- Make It Extra Lemony: Stir some lemon zest into the cream sauce for even more citrus flavor.
- Go Wine-Free: If you prefer not to use wine, a splash of chicken broth works beautifully instead.
What Pairs Well with Lemon Cream Pasta?
Because this pasta is rich and creamy, it pairs best with lighter sides, such as:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed or grilled veggies like asparagus or broccoli
- Crispy garlic bread (because extra carbs are always a good idea)
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Pasta with Shrimp is the ultimate comfort food with a fancy twist. Between the buttery shrimp, the luscious cream sauce, and that fresh zing of lemon, every bite is pure joy. 🍋🦐 Whether you’re making dinner for two or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pasta will never disappoint!
Make sure to top yours with plenty of Parmesan and a little extra lemon squeeze — you deserve it. 🤍