Dive into a delightful culinary experience with lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine. This dish combines the zestiness of lemon, the bold flavor of garlic, and the tenderness of shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. It's an easy yet elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
You may need to purchase a few ingredients that aren't commonly found in every pantry. Be sure to pick up shrimp from the seafood section, pesto from the sauce aisle, and heavy cream from the dairy section. Also, fresh parmesan cheese will elevate the dish, so it's worth getting the real deal.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
fettuccine: A type of pasta that is flat and thick, perfect for absorbing rich sauces.
olive oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps cook the shrimp to perfection.
butter: Enhances the sauce's creaminess and adds a rich flavor.
shrimp: The star protein of this dish, adding a succulent, oceanic taste.
garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp and pasta.
red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
lemon zest: Offers a bright, citrusy note that lifts the entire dish.
salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
pepper: Adds a touch of spiciness and depth.
flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
chicken broth: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
heavy cream: Contributes to the sauce's smooth, rich consistency.
pesto: Infuses the sauce with a burst of herby, garlicky flavor.
lemon juice: Provides a tangy punch that balances the creaminess.
parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
One reader, Dorey Ferraro says:
This lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked shrimp make it a standout dish. Easy to follow and absolutely delicious, it's a new favorite in our household. Highly recommend for a quick yet impressive meal!
Essential Techniques for Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
How to cook pasta until al dente: Cook pasta in salted water until it is firm to the bite, typically a few minutes less than the package instructions. How to melt butter with olive oil: Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet until the butter is fully melted and combined with the oil. How to cook shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until they are opaque and cooked through. How to make a roux: Cook flour with butter while stirring to form a paste, which will thicken the sauce. How to whisk in liquids: Slowly add chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto to the roux while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. How to simmer sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. How to combine ingredients: Stir shrimp and pasta into the sauce until well coated, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water or heavy cream if needed. How to garnish: Add freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice to the finished dish for added flavor and presentation.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
This shrimp fettuccine is bursting with creaminess and just the right flavor. Learn how to make this creamy pasta dish for a simple yet exquisite meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozfettuccine
- 1tbspolive oil
- 3tbspbutter,divided
- 1lbsmedium raw shrimp,peeled and deveined
- 6clovesgarlic,minced, divided
- ½tspred pepper flakes
- 1tsplemon zest
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tsppepper
- 2tbspflour
- 1½cupslow sodium chicken broth
- ½cupheavy cream
- ¼cupprepared pesto
- 1tbsplemon juice
- ½cupparmesan cheese,freshly grated
Optional Garnishes:
- parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley
- lemon juice
Instructions
-
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
-
Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
-
Cook and stir for approximately 4 minutes or just until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Scrape shrimp and garlic/juices to a plate. Set aside.
-
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and saute 30 seconds.
-
Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 1 minute, then turn heat to Low. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto, stirring constantly until smooth.
-
Turn heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Reduce heat to low and stir in lemon juice followed by Parmesan cheese until melted.
-
Stir in shrimp and pasta until well coated in sauce, adding additional reserved pasta water or heavy cream if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
-
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 683.42kcal
- Fat: 35.26g
- Saturated Fat: 17.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Carbohydrates: 51.41g
- Fiber: 2.56g
- Sugar: 2.86g
- Protein: 41.03g
- Cholesterol: 260.20mg
- Sodium: 752.02mg
- Calcium: 373.89mg
- Potassium: 595.95mg
- Iron: 2.50mg
- Vitamin A: 249.79µg
- Vitamin C: 8.43mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and not rubbery, make sure to cook them just until they turn opaque and pink. Overcooking can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they are done. This will keep them tender and juicy, enhancing the overall texture of your lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop garlic and zest lemon in advance to streamline cooking.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time.
Ready-made pesto: Utilize store-bought pesto instead of making it from scratch.
Boil pasta efficiently: Start boiling fettuccine while prepping other ingredients to save time.
One-pan method: Cook shrimp and make the sauce in the same skillet to reduce cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
fettuccine - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti has a similar texture and will work well with the sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the creamy texture of butter.
medium raw shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can provide a similar protein content and texture when cooked.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less intense.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness with an additional umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar spiciness with a slightly different flavor profile.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the sauce similarly to flour.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar base flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a similar creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.
prepared pesto - Substitute with basil and olive oil: Fresh basil and olive oil can mimic the flavor of pesto.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a similar acidity and brightness.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor.
How to Beautifully Present Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Use a large, white plate: A pristine, white plate provides a blank canvas that allows the vibrant colors of the lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine to stand out.
Twirl the fettuccine into a nest: Using a carving fork or tongs, twirl the fettuccine into a neat nest in the center of the plate. This creates height and visual interest.
Arrange the shrimp artfully: Place the shrimp around the fettuccine nest, ensuring each piece is visible and evenly spaced. This highlights the main protein and adds symmetry.
Drizzle the sauce elegantly: Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the fettuccine and shrimp, allowing it to cascade naturally. Avoid over-saturating the dish to maintain a clean presentation.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of green color and a hint of freshness.
Add a lemon twist: Place a thin lemon twist or wedge on the side of the plate for a touch of elegance and a visual cue to the lemon flavor in the dish.
Finish with grated parmesan: Lightly dust the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a final touch of sophistication and flavor.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Accompany the dish with a small piece of crusty bread on a separate plate to enhance the dining experience and provide a textural contrast.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Large skillet: Used for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce, ensuring even heat distribution.
Pot: Essential for boiling the fettuccine to al dente perfection.
Tongs: Handy for turning and removing the shrimp from the skillet.
Whisk: Necessary for mixing the flour into the butter and for incorporating the chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto smoothly.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, and other liquid ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Important for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like olive oil, butter, and seasonings.
Microplane or zester: Ideal for zesting the lemon to add a burst of citrus flavor.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and pasta without scratching the skillet.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta while reserving some of the pasta water.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for mincing garlic and zesting the lemon.
Chef's knife: Essential for mincing garlic and other prep work.
Grater: Used for grating the parmesan cheese for the sauce and garnish.
Serving bowl: Perfect for mixing the pasta with the sauce and shrimp before serving.
Ladle: Useful for adding reserved pasta water to the sauce if needed.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting lemon juice efficiently.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine: A Guide
- To store leftover lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine, place it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed. Reheat as mentioned above, adding a bit more liquid to help restore the sauce's consistency.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing and thawing, as they may become a bit more rubbery. However, the dish will still be flavorful and enjoyable.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Microwave: transfer the leftover lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Stovetop: place the leftover lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water and stir gently to combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm.
Slow cooker: place the leftover lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine in a slow cooker and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the pasta is heated through and the shrimp is warm. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Regardless of the reheating method, be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery if heated for too long. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a small amount of olive oil, butter, or heavy cream to restore moisture and enhance the flavor of the dish.
Interesting Fact About Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of lemon and garlic not only enhances the flavor of the shrimp, but also provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Is Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main expense comes from the shrimp and parmesan cheese, but other ingredients like pasta, garlic, and lemon are relatively inexpensive. The use of olive oil and butter adds richness without breaking the bank. Overall, this dish scores a 7 out of 10 in cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30 USD.
Is Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine recipe, while delicious, has some elements that make it less than ideal from a health perspective. Here's a breakdown of the potential concerns:
- The recipe uses heavy cream and butter, which are high in saturated fat and calories. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Fettuccine pasta is made from refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The sodium content may be high due to the use of chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and added salt.
On the positive side, the recipe includes shrimp, which is a lean protein source, and garlic, which has potential health benefits like reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. The lemon zest and juice add flavor without significantly increasing calories or fat.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
- Use whole grain fettuccine or zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, or opt for lower-fat versions
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the added salt accordingly
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient profile and add volume without excessive calories
Editor's Opinion on This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
This lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a vibrant and refreshing dish. The creamy sauce, enriched with parmesan and pesto, adds depth and richness, perfectly coating the al dente fettuccine. The optional garnishes of fresh parsley and additional parmesan elevate the presentation and taste. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying meal that's both elegant and comforting.
Enhance Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine
Why trust this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe:
This lemon garlic shrimp fettuccine recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and lemon zest creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The creamy pesto sauce adds a rich and savory touch, while the parmesan cheese brings everything together. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust this recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
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