This Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is a show stopping yet effortlessly elegant dish that brings together the brightness of citrus, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the richness of Parmigiano Reggiano. Succulent black tiger shrimp are marinated in a fragrant gremolata and quickly pan-seared to perfection, delivering a mouthwatering contrast to the silky, lemony pasta.
Whether you’re hosting dinner or need a quick and impressive weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. Its layered flavors and simple preparation make it a go to for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. Plus, it’s easily customizable add chili flakes for a spicy kick or swap in linguine for a twist. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Gremolata Shrimp Marinade:
-
908g (2 lbs) large black tiger shrimp, shelled and deveined (tails on)
-
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
Zest of 2 lemons
-
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Spaghetti:
-
454g (1 lb) spaghetti
-
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
-
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
-
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
-
In a large bowl, combine shrimp with 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon zest (from 2 lemons), parsley, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
-
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes per side or until opaque and slightly golden. Cook in batches if needed. Set aside.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
-
Once pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Return spaghetti to the pot, pour in the lemon sauce, and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
-
Plate the pasta on a serving dish or individual plates. Top with the pan-seared shrimp, a sprinkle of parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with extra cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 41 minutes
Kcal: ~480 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 generous portions
A Bright and Elegant Delight: Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of citrus, herbs, and seafood. It’s a symphony of flavors that transport you to the sun-soaked coastlines of the Mediterranean with every bite. Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is a dish that effortlessly captures that essence light yet indulgent, simple yet deeply flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that feels just as appropriate for a busy weeknight as it does for a cozy dinner party with friends.
But this isn’t just about shrimp and noodles. This is a celebration of balance and freshness a harmonious blend of zesty lemons, aromatic herbs, garlic, and rich olive oil, all dancing beautifully with tender, seared shrimp. The dish is tied together with a silky lemon-Parmesan sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, creating a meal that’s not only easy to love but easy to make.
The Mediterranean Soul of the Dish
Lemon and seafood are staples of Mediterranean cuisine. In coastal regions of Italy, Greece, and southern France, lemon is often used to brighten up everything from fish stews to grilled meats and grain salads. The acidity of the lemon doesn’t just add flavor it cuts through richness, enhances herbs, and lifts the natural sweetness of seafood.
Shrimp, particularly when marinated and pan-seared, holds a firm place in Italian coastal cooking. While heavier tomato sauces or creamy Alfredo style dishes dominate certain pasta categories, this lemony rendition is refreshingly different. It’s clean, uncluttered, and undeniably vibrant.
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and respect for ingredients. There are no unnecessary fillers. Just pasta, shrimp, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice and zest, Parmigiano Reggiano, and the good kind of olive oil the kind that’s robust and slightly peppery, made to be tasted, not just used as a cooking fat.
Gremolata: The Game-Changer
The flavor backbone of the shrimp in this dish is an Italian gremolata traditionally a mixture of finely chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. It’s often used as a garnish for osso buco, but in this dish, it becomes a marinade that penetrates the shrimp with brightness and aroma. The garlic is minced, not chopped, creating a smoother, less pungent profile that gently perfumes the seafood during its short marinating time.
The result? Shrimp that doesn’t just sit on top of the pasta, but shrimp that brings its own story to the plate a story of herbs, citrus, and the Mediterranean sun. When seared quickly in a hot pan, the shrimp caramelize slightly on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Why Lemon Spaghetti Works So Well
What makes the lemon spaghetti base so addictively good is its balance of richness and acidity. The sauce is a delicate emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. It’s not a heavy cream-based sauce, and it doesn’t need to be. The cheese melts into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture without overwhelming the brightness of the lemon.
And then there’s the pasta water trick reserving a bit of the starchy water to loosen and bind the sauce to the noodles. This is an old Italian technique that makes all the difference. It ensures every bite is well-coated, without becoming soupy or oily.
This dish is about letting the ingredients speak. The lemon gives it life. The Parmesan gives it body. The olive oil gives it silkiness. And the parsley? It gives it freshness and earthiness. Together, they transform a humble plate of spaghetti into something elegant.
Cooking with Intention and Flexibility
One of the most appealing things about Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is how adaptable it is. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gremolata. Prefer linguine or fettuccine? Swap it in. Want to turn this into a heartier meal? Toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus.
You can also vary the herbs if parsley isn’t your favorite. Basil or fresh dill would bring their own personalities to the table. The gremolata itself can be prepped a day ahead, making this an ideal dish for entertaining or meal prepping.
From a technique standpoint, everything about this dish encourages mindful cooking. You marinate the shrimp while the pasta water comes to a boil. You sear the shrimp while the spaghetti cooks. You whisk the sauce ingredients in the same bowl you used for the marinade, building layers of flavor without complicating the process. It’s rhythmic and satisfying the kind of cooking that feels as good as it tastes.
Presentation and Pairings
Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp looks as good as it tastes. Twirling the noodles into little nests and topping each with a few shrimp makes for an elegant presentation. A final drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of parsley completes the dish, making it ready for a casual dinner or an Instagram-worthy spread.
Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines mirror the dish’s acidity while cleansing the palate between bites. For non-alcoholic pairings, a citrusy sparkling water or a light lemonade with fresh mint would be equally refreshing.
A simple green salad on the side is all you need to complete the meal. Think arugula, shaved fennel, and maybe a few toasted almonds or slivered radishes, dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to echo the flavors of the pasta.
Nutrition and Lightness
Another reason home cooks adore this recipe is its health-conscious profile. There’s no cream, no butter, and no deep-frying. Instead, you get high-protein shrimp, complex carbs from whole-grain pasta (if you choose), heart-healthy fats from olive oil, and antioxidants from lemon and fresh herbs.
It’s a perfect example of a “feel-good” meal satisfying without being heavy, flavorful without being indulgent, and nourishing in a way that supports wellness without sacrifice.
A Dish That Becomes a Ritual
Over time, recipes like this become more than just something you make they become rituals. Maybe it’s the go to recipe for the first warm weekend of spring. Or the comfort food you make after a long workday. Maybe it’s what you cook for a friend who needs cheering up, or the first dinner you make in a new kitchen.
There’s a reason dishes like Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp stay with us. It’s because they deliver flavor, simplicity, and joy all in one bowl.
Conclusion:
Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp is more than a recipe it’s an experience. It’s what happens when you bring thoughtful technique and quality ingredients together with minimal effort. It’s a reminder that cooking at home doesn’t have to be complex to be elegant, and that a few humble ingredients, when used well, can create something truly memorable.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a weeknight warrior looking for something fast but fabulous, this dish deserves a place in your rotation. It celebrates everything we love about Mediterranean cuisine: simplicity, brightness, freshness, and above all, flavor.
So the next time you find yourself craving something light yet satisfying, pull out that spaghetti, grab some shrimp, and let lemon take the lead. Your table and your tastebuds will thank you.