Quick & Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: The 20-Minute Wonder for Busy Nights

Ever have one of those nights where you need dinner fast but still want something that feels like a treat? This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your answer. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for when you're short on time but still want to feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients that make it more than just a quick fix. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic is life)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (the zing that makes everything pop)
• ¼ cup olive oil (heart-healthy and delicious)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for that extra burst of freshness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step: Let’s Cook!

Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Toss in your pasta of choice (spaghetti or linguine works beautifully here), and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget: al dente pasta not only tastes better, but it also holds up perfectly to the lemony sauce we’re about to make.

 

Pro Tip: According to U.S. News Health, al dente pasta can actually help with digestion and retain more nutrients!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—just until it smells heavenly. Not only does garlic taste amazing, but it’s also packed with antioxidants that benefit your heart health, according to The National Library of Medicine.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your shrimp to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. When they’re pink and opaque, you’re good to go! Shrimp are a great source of lean protein and omega-3s, which are known for promoting brain health, as WebMD points out.

Step 4: Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Once your shrimp are cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and olive oil. This light, zesty sauce comes together in seconds and gives the dish its bright, refreshing flavor. And did you know that olive oil is loaded with healthy fats that may reduce inflammation? WebMD says it’s a win for your body and taste buds. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss your cooked pasta in the pan with the shrimp and sauce, giving everything a good mix so the flavors soak in. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and a fresh herb finish. Serve it hot and enjoy the perfect balance of bright citrus, savory garlic, and tender shrimp.

Shrimp and Pasta Cooking Times:

• Small shrimp: 2-3 minutes
• Medium shrimp: 3-4 minutes
• Large shrimp: 4-5 minutes

Pasta Times:

• Spaghetti or Linguine: 8-10 minutes
• Angel Hair: Just 4-5 minutes

 

Pro Tip: Before you drain the pasta, save a cup of the pasta water. You can add a splash to the sauce for extra silkiness and flavor!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes—dinner doesn’t get more efficient than this.
• Bright, Fresh Flavors: The lemon and garlic combo keeps the dish light, while the shrimp adds that extra touch of indulgence.
• Nutrient-Packed: Lean protein, heart-healthy olive oil, and antioxidant-rich garlic and lemon make this as good for you as it is tasty.

 Pairing Ideas:

Curate Your Dining Experience with DWELL BY CM:

Of course, no meal is complete without the perfect presentation. Here are a few DWELL BY CM pieces to take your pasta night up a notch:

Shallow Stoneware Serving Bowl (60 oz): Serve your pasta in style, making every dinner feel special.
Rosa Morada Wooden Base Platter: The perfect rustic yet elegant way to serve garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Kira Stemware Chalice (Set of 4): Sip your favorite wine from these gorgeous handblown glasses, and make your meal a full experience.

Ready to Share? Pass it Along!

Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your pasta creations! Tag us on social media and share your photos using #DwellByCM #visitdwell @visitdwell. If you have a blog or website, feel free to link back to this recipe and share the love of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

 

It's Not Ours it - Cited:

1. Comizio, C., & Bonci, L. (2023, October 4). Is pasta healthy or unhealthy? US News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/is-pasta-healthy-or-unhealthy#expert-sources  
2. National Library of Medicine. "Garlic: A Review of Potential Therapeutic Effects." PubMed Central (PMC), U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/

3. All about shrimp. (n.d.). WebMD.  https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-all-about-shrimp 

4. WebMD OLIVE OIL: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). 

   https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1689/olive-oil