Butter Lemon Shrimp Pasta highlights the balance between bright citrus and rich butter. The shrimp cook quickly in a hot skillet, developing a light golden color while remaining tender.

Butter and garlic form the base of the sauce, while lemon juice adds freshness and brightness. As the pasta is tossed with the sauce, the butter emulsifies with pasta water, creating a glossy coating.

The finished dish features tender shrimp and silky pasta with vibrant contrast.

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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

250 g linguine or spaghetti
400 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the lemon butter sauce

3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup seafood or chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon chili flakes
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Step-by-step cooking

Step 1 – Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.

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Step 2 – Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

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Step 3 – Heat the skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

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Step 4 – Cook the shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.

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Step 5 – Build the garlic butter base
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 6 – Add broth and lemon
Pour in seafood broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer briefly.

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Step 7 – Add pasta
Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss gently.

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Step 8 – Emulsify the sauce
Add a splash of reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes silky.

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Step 9 – Return the shrimp
Add the shrimp back into the skillet and toss lightly to combine.

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Step 10 – Garnish and serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately.

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Pro tips

Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
Reserve pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
Fresh lemon juice provides brighter flavor.

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Why this performs

Glossy butter sauce
Bright shrimp color contrast
Elegant pasta visuals
Strong close-up presentation