Sautéed Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
A quick and flavorful Sautéed Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring succulent jumbo shrimp cooked in garlic butter and olive oil, combined with delicate angel hair pasta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, finished with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice for a perfect balance of zest and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1½ lbs Jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for pasta if desired)
- Juice from 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Additions
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add Spinach and Lemon Juice: Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet with the shrimp and allow it to wilt slightly. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine, heating through for about a minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and spinach mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a light sauce consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss once more until well incorporated and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while warm, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan or lemon wedges for an added zest.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be thawed and used as well.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Angel hair pasta pairs beautifully for its delicate texture, but you can substitute with thin spaghetti or linguine if desired.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta water or a spoonful of cream during the combining step.
- For added color and nutrition, consider adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
