Lemon Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients

• 7 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter (for cooking shrimp)
• 2 garlic (minced, for shrimp)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 lemon zest (from half a lemon, for shrimp)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for gloss)
• 7 oz pasta (pappardelle recommended)
• 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
• 3 garlic (minced, for sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 0.33 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta; use up to 1/2 cup)
• 0.5 lemon zest (from half a lemon, for sauce)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (use 1-2 tsp)
• chili flakes (optional)
• parsley (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.

3. 3

   Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.

4. 4

   Drain the pasta and set aside.

5. 5

   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

6. 6

   Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, honey (if using), lemon zest, and paprika.

7. 7

   In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

8. 8

   Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 60-90 seconds per side until pink and lightly golden.

9. 9

   Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the shrimp and toss for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.

10. 10

    Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

11. 11

    In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic.

12. 12

    Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

13. 13

    Stir in the freshly grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper.

14. 14

    Add the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

15. 15

    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until the noodles are well-coated, creamy, and glossy.

16. 16

    Plate the pasta and place the cooked shrimp on top.

17. 17

    Finish with extra lemon zest, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the shrimp dry is essential for getting a good sear. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more pasta water. Heavy cream is sometimes sold as 'double cream' or 'whipping cream' depending on your region.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• seafood
• shrimp
• alfredo
• dinner
• easy
• pan-fried