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Close-up of succuent pink shrimp with golden edges on top of glossy linguine pasta with visible garlic. (Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta)

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate 20-Minute Gourmet Dinner

A stunning Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring succulent pan-seared shrimp and al dente linguine in a glossy, translucent citrus sauce. Perfect for a 20-minute gourmet weeknight meal that looks restaurant-quality.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 545
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 1 lb (454g) Linguine Pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 lb (454g) Large Shrimp Peeled and deveined, tails left on
  • 4 tbsp (56g) Unsalted Butter Cold, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil For searing
  • 4-6 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 large Lemon Zested and juiced
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) Dried Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) Pasta Water Reserved from boiling linguine

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet Stainless steel or cast iron preferred for searing.
  • 1 Large Pasta Pot For boiling linguine.
  • 1 Silicone Tongs Essential for tossing and emulsifying the sauce.
  • 1 Microplane For fresh lemon zest.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Components
  1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat shrimp dry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 90 seconds per side until pink with golden edges. Remove to a plate.
Create the Emulsion
  1. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add lemon juice and 1/2 cup pasta water. Whisk until the sauce bubbles and becomes glossy and translucent.
Final Assembly
  1. Add noodles and shrimp back to the pan. Toss vigorously with tongs, adding more pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley, zest, and a lemon wedge.

Notes

Always use fresh garlic and lemon for the best flavor profile.
Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before searing to achieve that golden crust.
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