Lemon Herb Shrimp Linguine with Olive Oil

Lemon Herb Shrimp Linguine with Olive Oil is a bright and refreshing pasta dish that perfectly balances zesty citrus flavors with the natural sweetness of shrimp. Tossed in fragrant olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish captures the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine.

It’s light yet satisfying, with every strand of linguine coated in a simple, flavorful sauce that highlights the shrimp’s delicate texture. Perfect for warm evenings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a restaurant-worthy meal in less than 30 minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple, elegant, and incredibly flavorful. The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs gives a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the juicy shrimp.

It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light — ideal for when you want something wholesome and satisfying without the heaviness of cream or butter sauces.

The olive oil sauce is silky, fragrant, and comforting — a perfect backdrop for tender shrimp and al dente linguine. Plus, it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, making it a weeknight favorite in my kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~460 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Pasta

• 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Mixture

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For Garnish

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Extra herbs and grated Parmesan (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook linguine until al dente.
2. Sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil until pink and tender.
3. Add lemon juice, zest, and herbs to create a light sauce.
4. Toss pasta with the shrimp mixture and season to taste.
5. Serve immediately with extra lemon and herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Herb Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Return shrimp to the pan, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
4. Stir in chopped parsley, basil, and dill.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the shrimp mixture.
2. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice as desired.

How to Serve

Serve Lemon Herb Shrimp Linguine immediately while warm.
Garnish with:

• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
• Lemon wedges for squeezing
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional for extra flavor)

Pair it with:

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• A light green salad with vinaigrette
• A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They turn rubbery quickly—cook just until pink.
• Adjust lemon: Add more or less juice depending on your citrus preference.
• Add pasta water slowly: Helps emulsify the sauce without making it watery.
• Use quality olive oil: It’s the main flavor carrier in this recipe.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine: Replace olive oil with butter for a richer taste.
• Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a silky sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip shrimp and add grilled zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Whole Grain or Gluten-Free: Substitute linguine with your preferred pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or broth.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta may lose texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs for tossing pasta
• Zester and citrus juicer
• Colander

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water.

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely — asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or spinach pair wonderfully.

3. How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil after draining if you’re not mixing it immediately.

4. Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?
Yes, spaghetti or fettuccine both work perfectly well.

5. How can I make this more filling?
Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Lemon Herb Shrimp Linguine with Olive Oil is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs brings a burst of brightness that transforms ordinary pasta into a vibrant Mediterranean feast.

It’s a dish that’s light, elegant, and easy — perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to seafood pastas!