Creamy Lemon Dill Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Lemon Dill Shrimp Pasta is a perfect balance of tangy lemon, fresh dill, and rich creamy sauce tossed with tender shrimp and al dente pasta. This quick and easy dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Its bright, herbaceous, and smooth flavors create a satisfying yet refreshing meal that delights every bite.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Shrimp and Pasta
- 12 oz peeled, deveined shrimp
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Prep Shrimp and Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring continuously to combine the flavors smoothly.
- Finish with Dill and Cheese: Stir freshly chopped dill and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a luscious texture.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the creamy lemon dill sauce, ensuring every strand and piece is well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Use fresh dill for optimal flavor and aroma.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Lemon zest adds critical citrus aroma beyond lemon juice alone.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, lemon dill pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, quick dinner, seafood pasta, easy weeknight meal, lemon dill sauce