Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish, which uses fresh shrimp and bright lemon juice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 25 minutes.

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Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe Ingredients

  • ½ pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, and reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Make the lemon-garlic sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic briefly, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Return shrimp to the skillet, add pasta, and toss. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  5. Add herbs and serve: Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with optional Parmesan cheese.
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking for best texture.
  • What pasta shape works best?
    Linguine and spaghetti are ideal, but angel hair or fettuccine also work well.
  • How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
    Cook until pink and opaque; they only need 1–2 minutes per side.
  • Can I make it creamy?
    Add a splash of cream or extra butter at the end for a richer sauce.
  • How to add more flavor:
    Finish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

What To Serve With Lemon Shrimp Pasta

This pasta pairs perfectly with light sides:

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette
  • Simple green salad with vinaigrette
  • Roasted asparagus or broccoli
  • White wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

How To Store Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Freeze: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery and pasta may lose texture.

Lemon Shrimp Pasta Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Why is my sauce too watery?
Simmer briefly to reduce, or add more Parmesan to thicken slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta and check seasonings.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini make great additions.

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Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

420

kcal

A light and zesty pasta dish with garlic, lemon, and succulent shrimp tossed with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

  • ½ pound linguine or spaghetti

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Zest of 1 large lemon

  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, and remove.
  • Add garlic to skillet, cook 30 seconds, then add lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 1 minute.
  • Toss pasta and shrimp in sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
  • Stir in parsley, season to taste, and serve with Parmesan if desired.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.