Shrimp Alfredo Tagliatelle with Lemon

Shrimp Alfredo Tagliatelle with Lemon is an elegant, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of Alfredo sauce with the freshness of shrimp and a bright hint of lemon. The delicate ribbons of tagliatelle soak up the velvety sauce beautifully, creating a luxurious meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

This recipe brings together the buttery smoothness of a classic Alfredo, the subtle sweetness of perfectly sautéed shrimp, and the zing of lemon zest to balance the richness. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that taste like something you’d order at an upscale Italian restaurant — yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Shrimp Alfredo Tagliatelle with Lemon because it perfectly balances decadence and freshness. The creamy Alfredo sauce has that signature velvety texture that clings to every strand of tagliatelle, while the shrimp adds a subtle sweetness and the lemon brightens the entire dish.

It’s also a recipe that feels special but doesn’t require complicated steps or ingredients. From the first buttery sizzle of shrimp to the aroma of garlic and cream blending together, this dish fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. It’s a comfort meal that also feels refined — the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor each bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it embodies everything people love about Italian cuisine — simplicity, balance, and indulgence. It’s not just a creamy pasta; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors. The lemon zest and juice cut through the richness, giving each bite a refreshing finish, while the shrimp provides protein and a touch of luxury.

Moreover, it’s an incredibly versatile dish — you can enjoy it for a cozy dinner at home, a festive occasion, or even meal prep for the week. It’s both hearty and light, making it a crowd-pleaser for all seasons.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 300 g tagliatelle pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Shrimp:

• 400 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra lemon zest
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tagliatelle and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter and add olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in cream and milk, stirring continuously over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan and Lemon:
   Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Add salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked tagliatelle and shrimp to the sauce. Toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Boil water with salt, add tagliatelle, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic briefly.
Step 3: Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter for the sauce. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in cream and milk, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Add lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper for flavor balance.
Step 8: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing gently.
Step 9: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Shrimp Alfredo Tagliatelle with Lemon immediately while warm and creamy. Plate the pasta elegantly in shallow bowls, ensuring each serving has generous portions of shrimp.

Pair with:

• Garlic bread or buttery focaccia
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• A glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the lemon aroma and cream sauce at their peak.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp if possible — they provide a sweeter and juicier flavor than frozen ones.
• Add the Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to avoid clumping.
• Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• Reserve some pasta water — it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• Lemon zest is key — it lifts the flavor and balances the richness beautifully.

Variations

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo:
   Add an extra tablespoon of butter and garlic for a more indulgent version.
2. Spinach Shrimp Alfredo:
   Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
3. Broccoli Alfredo:
   Add steamed broccoli florets for a wholesome twist.
4. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo:
   Season shrimp with Cajun spice or paprika for a bolder flavor.
5. Vegan Option:
   Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and use cashew cream and vegan Parmesan.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
• Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this dish as cream sauces can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately for up to 2 months.
• Do Not Freeze: Fully assembled pasta with cream sauce — texture and consistency will be affected.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Zester or grater for lemon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well. Use what you have on hand.

Q2: Can I make it without cream?
You can substitute cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.

Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and avoid rapid boiling when adding cream and cheese. Stir gently until smooth.

Q4: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through — overcooking will make them tough.

Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead, but combine with pasta just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo Tagliatelle with Lemon is a masterpiece of balance — indulgent yet refreshing, creamy yet light. Every forkful delivers the perfect harmony of buttery shrimp, silky cream sauce, and zesty lemon.

This dish is proof that fine dining doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a few careful steps, you can create a luxurious Italian-style meal right in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a weeknight treat or a special celebration, this recipe never fails to impress.