Zesty Lemon Shrimp and Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with fresh shrimp, vibrant spinach, and juicy tomatoes, it’s a refreshing meal that’s both healthy and delicious. With just the right hint of lemon, this spaghetti recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

If you love fresh and easy shrimp recipes like this zesty lemon shrimp pasta, try my shrimp Caesar salad, too!

 

Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

I’m about to unleash the flavors of summer with this light and invigorating spaghetti dish. This pasta is brimming with succulent shrimp, tender spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a tang of lemon. Paired with a fresh zucchini salad on the side, it’s your ticket to a Mediterranean vacation right at your dinner table!

Why am I so enamored with shrimp spaghetti? It’s simple yet sophisticated, super speedy to make, and allows for endless creativity. Plus, if you’re watching your waistline, this dish is a perfect ally. Opt for whole-grain spaghetti, and you’ve added an extra punch of protein and fiber to your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe

• Quick and Easy: It’s a straightforward recipe for whipping up on busy weeknights.
• Nutrient-Rich: With ingredients like shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes, you get a good mix of protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals.
• Versatile: It’s easy to adjust based on personal preferences or what’s available in the kitchen. Consider using whole-grain pasta for an added health boost.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, fresh basil, and garlic brings a delicious zestiness to the dish.
• Elegant Presentation: The colorful array of ingredients makes for an aesthetically pleasing dish, suitable for both casual family dinners and dinner guests.

How To Make Lemon Shrimp Spaghetti

A quick, flavorful dinner with pasta and fresh shrimp, tomatoes, and lemon – this is going to be your next favorite meal!

Ingredients For Shrimp Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Provides the base for the dish; its tender strands soak up the flavors and give the meal substance.
• Olive Oil: Imparts a subtle fruity note, ensuring the dish remains moist and tasty.
• Butter: Adds a creamy, rich dimension, helping to bind flavors together and coat the pasta evenly.
• Raw Shrimp: Introduces a succulent, slightly sweet taste that contrasts with the tangy lemon and vegetables.
• Garlic: Gives a depth of flavor and aroma.
• Green Onions: Offer a mild oniony zest that provides taste without overpowering the dish.
• Grape Tomatoes: Add bursts of juiciness, sweetness, and a slight tang.
• Baby Spinach: Contributes a mild earthiness and texture, plus a touch of green freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh herbal contrast to the savory ingredients.
• Lemon: Brings brightness and acidity to the dish, lifting up other flavors and adding a refreshing citrus twist.

Directions

• Prepare Spaghetti: Follow package instructions and cook until al dente.
• Heat Olive Oil & Butter: In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil and melt the butter.
• Add Seafood & Veggies: Stir in the shrimp, garlic, green onions, tomatoes, and basil to the skillet.
• Seasoning Time: Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle in half of the lemon juice.
• Shrimp Cooking: Let everything sizzle until the shrimp turns pink and the tomatoes are tender. If you’re new to pan-frying shrimp, my classic shrimp scampi recipe has lots of tips.
• Spinach Addition: Add in the spinach and the remaining lemon juice. Keep stirring until the spinach just starts to wilt.
• Final Toss: Integrate the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, and give it a good mix so the pasta is well coated.

Tips For The Best Shrimp Pasta Dinner

• Pasta Perfection: Cooking pasta just until it’s al dente ensures it doesn’t become too soft when added to the skillet.
• Freshness First: Using fresh, quality ingredients, especially for the shrimp and produce, makes a world of difference in flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long on the heat.

Variations For Lemon Shrimp Pasta

• Whole Grain Option: Use whole grain spaghetti for added fiber and nutrition. You can also use another type of pasta, like linguine or fettuccine (check out my creamy shrimp fettuccine while you’re at it!)
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or consider incorporating a splash of white wine for depth.
• Protein Swap: Instead of shrimp, you could use diced chicken, tofu, or even chunks of firm fish like salmon or halibut. You could even make a batch of turkey meat balls!
• Veggie Variations: Broccoli florets, snap peas, or asparagus are good additions or substitutions for spinach.
• Creamy Version: Introduce a splash of light cream or half-and-half for a creamier texture, like I do in my creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.

Serving Suggestions

I love this lemon shrimp spaghetti paired with my Mediterranean salad and breadsticks! It’s the perfect summertime meal to wash down with a Campari spritz or glass of Pinot Grigio. Don’t miss a scoop of tiramisu ice cream for dessert!

More Pasta Recipes

• Coconut Lime Shrimp
• Spaghetti Casserole
• Shrimp Alfredo
• Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti