Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti

Name: Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; Salt for pasta water; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 lemon, juice and zest; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Meals | Warm Dinners

I absolutely love making Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti when I want a dish that's both quick and incredibly flavorful. The garlic infuses the shrimp with a rich aroma, while the fresh lemon zest brightens the entire meal. It's amazing to see how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dish combines the best of both worlds.

Created by

Kyle

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:54:19.311Z

When I first tried making Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti, I learned the importance of properly sautéing the shrimp to achieve that perfect golden-brown color. I found that letting them sear properly in the garlic oil soaked up the flavors and added an incredible depth to the dish. It’s all about getting that right heat level!

Another tip I picked up is to always reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water, when mixed with the sauce, helps everything come together beautifully, creating that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish irresistible. Trust me; it makes the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich garlic flavor balanced with zesty lemon
Succulent shrimp complemented by perfectly cooked spaghetti
Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Flavors

The key to the bold flavor in Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti lies in the balance between the garlic and lemon. Garlic, when sautéed, transforms from its raw pungency to a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it should soften and become fragrant—approximately 30 seconds in hot olive oil—before the shrimp is added. If it becomes browned, it can turn bitter and affect the overall taste.

Lemon zest is an essential element in this dish, as it provides a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the garlic and shrimp. When zesting, use a microplane to avoid the bitter white pith. I find that adding the zest at the same time as the juice amplifies the citrus flavor without overshadowing the other ingredients. This layering of lemon flavors enhances the dish and makes each bite refreshing.

Cooking Techniques

When cooking the spaghetti, aim for al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Timing is crucial; checking for doneness a minute or two before the package suggests is a good practice to avoid overcooking. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly after it's drained, especially when added to the hot skillet with the shrimp. Reserving some pasta water allows you to control the sauce's thickness, which is important for achieving the right consistency for every bite.

For the shrimp, a medium heat is ideal to cook them perfectly without toughening them. Look for a bright pink color and opaque center—this is a signal that they are just done. If they start to curl too tightly, you’ve likely overcooked them. Keep an eye on the time; they generally take about 3-4 minutes in the skillet. If you’re using large shrimp, extend the cooking time slightly while ensuring they don’t become rubbery.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
Salt for pasta water

For the Sauce

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juice and zest
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Once the pasta is ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in lemon juice and zest, mixing everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding cherry tomatoes or spinach to the skillet just before combining with the spaghetti. They provide not only color but also added nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch or looking for alternatives, you can swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or cooked crab meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as scallops may require a slightly longer cooking period than the shrimp. Additionally, this dish works well with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, which can be sautéed along with the shrimp for added nutrition and flavor.

For a lighter version, consider using zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of spaghetti. While cooking zoodles, just a quick toss in the skillet with the shrimp for a minute or two can warm them through without making them too soggy. For a gluten-free option, substitute traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta varieties that suit your preference.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While Garlic Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain elements in advance to expedite cooking. You can chop the garlic and zest the lemon ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving to maintain their textures and flavors. Cooked shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if you have leftovers—a great potential for a quick lunch!

If you're looking to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing the cooked shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta. The spaghetti doesn't freeze well and may become mushy upon reheating. To reheat, thaw the shrimp and sauce overnight in the fridge and then warm gently in a skillet while cooking fresh pasta for the best freshness and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What type of pasta can I use besides spaghetti?

You can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or any of your favorite pasta shapes.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce can amp up the heat!

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.