This Shrimp Spaghetti with Garlic Butter & Lemon is a fast, restaurant-style pasta made with juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, fresh lemon, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked spaghetti.
It’s the kind of dinner that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients. The sauce is light, buttery, garlicky, and bright from the lemon, while a little pasta water helps everything cling beautifully to the spaghetti.
It works well for weeknight dinners, date nights, family meals, or when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Spaghetti
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Fresh lemon keeps it bright
- Juicy, tender shrimp
- Easy one-pan sauce
- Great for weeknights
- Easy to customize
- Delicious with garlic bread or salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
For the Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Best Shrimp to Use
Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and are easier to cook evenly.
Look for shrimp labeled:
- Large
- Extra-large
- Jumbo
Peeled and deveined shrimp save preparation time.
You can use shrimp with the tails on for presentation or remove them completely for easier eating.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine.
In fact, good-quality frozen shrimp can be extremely convenient.
Thaw them in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water until thawed.
Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking.
Excess moisture prevents good browning.
How to Make Shrimp Spaghetti with Garlic Butter & Lemon
Step 1: Boil the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Season generously with salt.
The pasta absorbs seasoning while it cooks, so this is your first opportunity to build flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the spaghetti.
Cook until al dente, following the package timing as a guide.
Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water.
This starchy water is important for the sauce.
Why Reserve Pasta Water?
Pasta water contains starch released from the spaghetti.
When mixed with butter and Parmesan, it helps create a smoother sauce that coats the noodles rather than separating at the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry.
Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika, if using
Keep the seasoning simple because the garlic butter sauce provides most of the flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil.
Let it become hot before adding the shrimp.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
Cook approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side, depending on size, until opaque and cooked through.
Shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Transfer them to a plate.
Avoid overcooking because shrimp become rubbery quickly.
Step 6: Lower the Heat
Reduce the skillet to medium-low.
Add the butter.
Let it melt gently.
Step 7: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
Cook for approximately 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly.
The garlic should become fragrant but not deeply browned.
Burnt garlic can make the entire sauce bitter.
Step 8: Add Pasta Water
Pour in about ½ cup reserved pasta water.
Stir while scraping any flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
Let the mixture simmer briefly.
Step 9: Add Lemon
Add:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Stir well.
Fresh lemon provides acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
Step 10: Add the Spaghetti
Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet.
Toss until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
If the pasta looks dry, add additional pasta water a few tablespoons at a time.
Step 11: Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Add freshly grated Parmesan gradually while tossing.
This helps it melt smoothly.
Avoid aggressively boiling after adding Parmesan because high heat can cause the cheese to clump.
Step 12: Return the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss gently until warmed through.
Don’t cook for too long at this stage.
The shrimp are already cooked.
Step 13: Finish with Parsley
Add fresh chopped parsley.
Taste and adjust with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
Serve immediately.