Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Pasta — 🧄🍋🍤 Buttery noodles with juicy plump shrimp, flavored with lemon and garlic! A family-friendly dinner recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes and it’s so EASY!
Table of Contents
Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
The angel hair pasta is perfectly al dente and wonderfully buttery. Angel hair is great to accompany this lemon garlic shrimp because it cooks so quickly and so do shrimp.
The shrimp are juicy, plump, and have so much flavor from the garlic. Make sure you don’t overcook them so they’re not rubbery or tough. Even large shrimp only take a couple minutes to cook through.
The lemon adds a wonderful brightness to the dish and is a perfect complement to shrimp. And anything tossed in butter automatically tastes great.
This lemon shrimp pasta is slightly garlicky, incredibly easy to make, and is a family favorite! This is the perfect weeknight meal because it looks incredibly fancy, but it actually takes about 15 minutes to make. Win!
Ingredients for Lemon Shrimp Pasta
This simple salmon garlic shrimp pasta recipe calls for just seven basic ingredients. I have them on hand most of the time, and you likely do as well!
To make this lemon butter shrimp pasta, you’ll need:
- Angel hair pasta – Angel hair pasta cooks in a flash, but spaghetti or another long, skinny pasta will work too. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Or, swap zucchini noodles to a low-carb option
- Unsalted butter – If all you have is salted butter, scale back the amount of salt called for in the recipe. I don’t recommend swapping extra virgin olive oil, because the flavor just won’t be as rich
- Garlic powder – To save chopping time, and because I don’t like biting into little pieces of garlic no matter how small I mince it, I used garlic powder. Feel free to chop a clove or two of garlic and sauté it with the butter if you prefer garlic cloves
- Large shrimp – Be sure to use raw shrimp in this recipe and not a pre-cooked variety. I worry that if you use pre-cooked shrimp, you’ll wind up overcooking them and making them rubbery
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh lemon juice – Or, I bet some or all of the lemon juice could be replaced with white wine to make a white wine sauce
- Lemon zest
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This is such an easy, 15-minute recipe for lemon butter shrimp pasta! Here’s a look at how the recipe comes together:
- Boil the angel hair pasta in a large pot to al dente according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet and cook the shrimp until done. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder at this stage.
- Add the lemon juice and zest.
- Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Then, serve warm topped with fresh herbs like fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired
Looking for More Shrimp Pasta Dishes?
If you loved this lemon butter shrimp and angel hair pasta, be sure to make my classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe next!
Recipe FAQs
You can use any size raw shrimp you’d like for this recipe. I prefer 12-15 count shrimp, but use whatever you have on hand or is easy to find in the seafood case at your grocery store.
Most likely, yes. However, I recommend using fresh shrimp in this lemon garlic shrimp pasta. The shrimp are the main event in this dish, so it’s important that you buy the best quality you can get your hands on.
I recommend a pretty large skillet with high sides for this recipe because between the shrimp and the pasta, you need something fairly large so everything can get tossed in all that delicious lemon butter. I have three favorite skillets for recipes like this that are heavy-bottomed, heavy-duty, and can go from stovetop to oven:
1. LeCreuest 2.25 Quart Braising Pan. The lid isn’t necessary for this recipe but will come in handy for something like my Pasta with Vodka Sauce recipe.
2. All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel 3-Quart Pan. There are hundreds of chicken dinners you will see photographed in this pan on my site. Here is also the Amazon link for the same All-Clad 3-Quart Pan.
3. All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Essential Pan, 4-Quart. This is the exact pan I used for this shrimp pasta dish and is another one that is a workhorse.
I haven’t tested it, but I bet you could easily swap in diced chicken or another type of fish if you don’t have any shrimp on hand. Just note that chicken may need to cook a little longer than shrimp.
What to Serve with Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Storage
In the Refrigerator: This recipe will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
In the Freezer: This isn’t my favorite recipe to freeze due to the texture changes of both the shrimp and the pasta. However, technically it will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. But you can use your stove or whatever is best suited for you.
Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions (half of a 1-pound box)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 stick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, de-veined, and cleaned with tails off (I prefer 12-15 count shrimp)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
To a large skillet, add the butter and heat over medium-high heat to melt. - Stir in the garlic powder.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes total, or until just pink and cooked through. Flip shrimp halfway through cooking. Cooking time will vary based on size of shrimp and pan used; don’t overcook or shrimp will become rubbery and tough.
- Add the lemon juice, optional lemon zest, and stir briefly to combine.
- Turn the heat to low, add the pasta to skillet with the shrimp, and toss to combine and coat.
- Taste, check for seasoning balance, and make any desired tweaks (add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, etc.).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dish is best warm and fresh, but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently prior to serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
©averiecooks.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
More Easy Pasta Recipes:
Honey Lemon Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta — Easy, ready in 20 minutes, and you’ll love the tangy-sweet flavor! A healthy weeknight dinner for those busy nights!
One-Bag Lemon Chicken and Pasta – An EASY lemon chicken and pasta recipe that’s family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights! Everything cooks in ONE bag! The chicken is juicy, the pasta is tender, and cleanup is a breeze!
Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo — EASY, ready in 25 minutes, and feeds a crowd! Juicy lemon chicken with orzo, fresh spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes make this a dinnertime WINNER!
Lemon Pepper Basil Chicken and Pasta – EASY and ready in 15 minutes with comforting pasta, juicy chicken, and there is so much ZESTY flavor from the lemon, basil, and spinach!
Lemon Basil Orzo and Vegetables – An EASY vegan recipe ready in 30 minutes that makes it easy to eat your veggies while enjoying the comforts of pasta, too! The lemon and basil make the dish taste fresh and light!
Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Pasta – EASY and ready in 20 minutes with comforting pasta, juicy chicken, a hint of lemon, and the PERFECT amount of Parmesan! Great for busy weeknights and the extra is good for meal prepping!
Skinny Italian Chicken Pasta Salad – EASY, ready in 30 minutes, feeds a crowd, and is on the SKINNY side! Juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and the pasta are tossed in a light and tangy homemade Italian lemon vinaigrette!
Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta — Buttery pasta with juicy chicken, flavored with lemon butter and garlic, and finished with Parmesan cheese! A family-friendly dinner recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes and it’s so EASY!
Pesto Parmesan Chicken and Pasta – EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and every piece of tender chicken and pasta is coated in fresh pesto sauce and parmesan cheese! Great for easy weeknight dinners, planned leftovers, or for parties because it feeds a crowd!
Asiago Chicken and Pasta – EASY comfort food to feed a crowd that’s ready in 25 minutes! Tender chicken and penne pasta with red peppers, green beans, and everything is coated with Asiago CHEESE for the family dinner win!
Chicken Asparagus Pasta — EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and the asparagus, tomatoes, and basil keep this chicken and pasta recipe tasting LIGHTER and FRESHER!
Originally published March 20, 2015 and republished April 1, 2020 and March 10, 2023 and March 15, 2024 with updated text.
love this recipe. Quick and easy to put together and delicious! i made no modifications as its not needed. Made with ingredients you usually have around the house.
Thanks for the 5 star review, Valerie, and I’m so glad to hear this was quick, easy, delicious, and you didn’t need to modify it at all!
Simple, quick and so delicious! Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review, Alicia, and I’m glad to hear this was simple, quick, and delish!
I made this lemon butter garlic shrimp & angel hair pasta for dinner tonight and it was delicious!! Other than adding a little pasta water to the sauce I went strictly from the recipe, some steamed broccoli and it was a huge success👏🏼👏🏼Thanks for the recipe!!
Thanks for the 5 star review, Brenda, and I’m glad it was a huge success! Love hearing this!
Out go to recıpe. Have made numerous times. Only addition is some red pepper flakes
Thanks for the 5 star review, George, and I’m glad it’s your go to recipe! Red pepper flakes sound perfect!
Easy to make and flavorful
Thanks for the 5 star review, Betty, and glad it was easy and flavorful!
Too much sodium,for people who have watch their sodium intake ;otherwise delicious.
The sodium seems high to me as well. As I always include as a disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There are times when just logically speaking it doesn’t seem totally spot on, and to me this is one of them. Shrimp inherently have some sodium as does pasta, but not tons. I think it’s artificially high but you’d want to consult a dietician to calculate for you if it’s very important.
I don’t use garlic powder,prefer fresh and there are no tiny pieces of garlic when you use a garlic press!
Of course do what’s easiest and best for you and you enjoy! Sometimes I use a garlic press too.
Tried this recipe and I add 1/3 cup of limoncello with fresh lemon 🍋 zest. In place of the lemon juice! Amazing 😻
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad the it was amazing with the limoncello!
I prepared using recipe as written, except I used thin spaghetti instead of the angel hair. My family LOVED it! I served with my homemade french bread. I am making again tonight and adding some mushrooms and parsley (testing this for a company dish).
Thanks for the 5 star review Stephanie and I am so glad your family loved this and you’re making it again tonight as a test for company (with mushrooms/parsley) and good for you for testing first and for cooking for company rather than just going out to a restaurant!