Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne with Parmesan

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne with Parmesan is a beautifully bright and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness — the citrusy tang of lemon, the savory depth of garlic, and the creamy saltiness of Parmesan all come together to create a pasta that’s light yet indulgent.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a cozy date-night meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s elegant, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of lemon and garlic perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp, while the Parmesan adds that irresistible umami depth.

It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-quality but is effortless to make at home. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and zesty — pure comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a stunning pasta that tastes like it came straight out of an Italian bistro.

It’s also highly customizable — you can make it creamy, spicy, or even low-carb. Plus, it’s perfect for seafood lovers who crave a quick, gourmet meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp and Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth (for extra flavor in the sauce)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for a creamier version)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil the pasta.
2. Cook shrimp in a skillet with olive oil and garlic.
3. Make the lemon-garlic butter sauce.
4. Combine pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, and parsley.
5. Serve hot with extra lemon and cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and (optional) white wine or chicken broth.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the shrimp to the skillet.
2. Add cooked pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water, and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.

How to Serve

• Serve in warm pasta bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side.
• Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed asparagus.
• Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a truly elegant meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice — bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they become rubbery quickly.
• Add pasta water gradually to help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
• For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Lemon Shrimp Penne: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a velvety texture.
• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini ribbons.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the shrimp and pasta texture. However, the sauce can be frozen separately for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Microplane or fine grater (for lemon zest and Parmesan)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine also work beautifully with this sauce.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes pair wonderfully with shrimp and lemon.

Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then toss together just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne with Parmesan is a delightful, quick, and flavorful pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. Every bite is packed with zesty lemon, rich garlic, and tender shrimp coated in a buttery sauce that’s both comforting and refreshing

. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply craving a satisfying pasta dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious — it’s the perfect meal to brighten any day!