Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe

Sometimes a simple meal is all you need to brighten up your whole day, and that’s exactly why I love this Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe. It’s light, fresh, and bursting with bright lemony flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this dish always impresses without keeping you tied to the stove for hours.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the garlicky shrimp marinated in gremolata brought so much character to the table without a ton of fuss. You’ll find that the zesty lemon pasta sauce beautifully ties everything together, making every bite perfectly balanced and insanely satisfying. If you want a recipe that’s elegant yet approachable, this Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe is definitely one to save.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe come together effortlessly, and each one plays a key role—from the fresh shrimp marinated in zesty gremolata, to the silky lemon pasta sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. Grab the freshest shrimp you can find, and don’t skimp on the high-quality olive oil—it really makes a difference in flavor!

• Large Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp ensure a tender, juicy bite every time.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality for the marinade and sauce to bring richness and smoothness.
• Lemons: Both zest and juice deliver that vibrant citrus punch—freshly grated zest is key.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely herbaceous note and pops of green color.
• Garlic: Minced garlic in the shrimp marinade infuses savory depth.
• Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works best for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to try linguine or fettuccine.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melds beautifully into the lemon sauce and adds umami.
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: The simple seasoning that brings out all the natural flavors.

Variations

I love that this Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe is so adaptable—you can tweak it according to your mood or what’s in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to tailor the garlic or lemon intensity, swap parsley for basil, or even add some heat for a spicy twist.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the shrimp—my family goes crazy for that extra heat.
• Herb Swap: Basil or cilantro work beautifully if you want to mix up the herb profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and you’re good to go without compromising any flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed asparagus tips or cherry tomatoes for freshness and color.

How to Make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Shrimp in Gremolata

Start by tossing your cleaned shrimp with extra virgin olive oil, plenty of lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic in a bowl. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes—this step really boosts flavor without extra effort. I discovered that letting the shrimp soak in these ingredients before cooking makes them juicy with a lovely citrus-herb punch.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

While the shrimp marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your spaghetti. Follow the package instructions closely and aim for al dente — it’s firm with a little bite, which balances perfectly with the saucy lemon coating later. Make sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a game-changer for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp Just Right

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sprinkle the marinated shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook them in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side, depending on size, until they’re pink and slightly golden. I usually have to do this in two batches to avoid crowding the pan, which helps prevent steaming and encourages a nice sear. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Tangy Lemon Pasta Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmigiano-Reggiano, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple sauce comes together quickly but adds layers of flavor, richness, and brightness to the spaghetti. It’s one of those things where fresh ingredients really shine.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return your drained spaghetti to the pot and pour the lemon sauce over it. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta is silky and coated to your liking. I’ve learned that this step is crucial—you want just enough water to help the sauce cling without getting watery or heavy.

Step 6: Plate and Serve with Shrimp

Transfer the dressed pasta onto a serving platter and arrange the pan-seared shrimp on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a gorgeous finish. You can make it family-style or plate individually, passing extra cheese because, honestly, who can say no to more Parmigiano?

How to Serve Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra color and freshness, plus a light drizzle of good olive oil—you can really taste the difference. If you’re feeling cheeky, add some extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of zing or heat. Freshly cracked black pepper on top adds that wonderfully subtle kick too.

Side Dishes

Light side dishes work best here—think a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. My family also loves crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover lemon sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls with shrimp fanned on top, finished with microgreens and extra parmesan. You could also serve it in individual mason jars for a fun twist, layering pasta and shrimp to highlight those lovely colors. Trust me, it’s a great way to make this simple dish look fancy with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the shrimp and pasta together to maintain the flavor, but add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water before storing to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing this recipe isn’t the best idea because the shrimp and lemon sauce tend to lose their fresh taste and texture. However, if you must, freeze without the shrimp and add freshly cooked shrimp after thawing and reheating the pasta.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to keep it moist. Adding the shrimp toward the end just until warmed through prevents it from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy, fresh, and delicious—it genuinely feels like a little celebration in every forkful. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do, and that it finds a comfy spot on your weekly dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to its bright flavors and quick preparation. So grab those lemons and shrimp, and let’s get cooking!

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