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Perfect Summer Date Night Lemon Cream Linguine Recipe with Pan-Seared Shrimp

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A bright, zesty lemon cream linguine paired with pan-seared shrimp, perfect for a quick and elegant summer dinner that balances lightness and indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
  • 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink with a slight golden crust. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Slowly add grated Parmesan, stirring constantly to melt. If sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy consistency is reached.
  7. Add drained linguine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  9. Serve immediately with optional extra Parmesan and lemon wedge.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before searing to get a good crust. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce without watering down flavor. Avoid overheating cream to prevent curdling. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cream linguine, pan-seared shrimp, summer dinner, quick pasta recipe, creamy lemon sauce, easy date night meal

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/perfect-summer-date-night-lemon-cream-linguine-recipe-with-pan-seared-shrimp/