Spaghetti With Prawns And Garlic And Lemon

Spaghetti With Prawns, Garlic, and Lemon is a beautifully simple yet luxurious pasta dish that brings together the freshness of the sea and the brightness of citrus.

Tender prawns are gently sautéed with fragrant garlic, then folded into a silky Parmesan cream sauce infused with lemon zest and juice for a light, refreshing finish.

It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated—perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive dish for guests. Every bite delivers a balance of richness, freshness, and vibrant flavor that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.

Why People Will Love Spaghetti With Prawns, Garlic, and Lemon:

Perfect harmony of flavors
The sweetness of prawns, the richness of cream, and the brightness of lemon create an unforgettable balance.

Elegant yet comforting
It feels like a restaurant-quality seafood pasta, but it’s simple enough for a cozy meal at home.

Fresh and vibrant taste
The lemon zest and juice lift the creamy sauce, making the dish light instead of heavy.

Quick and satisfying
You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Rich, creamy, and indulgent
The Parmesan cream sauce makes every bite smooth, velvety, and deeply satisfying.

A crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers
Shrimp and prawns always feel special, and this recipe highlights them beautifully.

Customizable for heat and garnish
Add more chili flakes for spice or cherry tomatoes for a colorful finish.

Simple ingredients, gourmet results
With just pantry staples, you can create a luxurious pasta dish.

Perfect for special occasions or date nights
It’s impressive without being complicated, ideal for entertaining guests.

A timeless Italian-inspired classic
Garlic, butter, lemon, and seafood never go out of style—they’re always loved.

Key Ingredients

Linguine (or Spaghetti)
The perfect pasta shape for holding the creamy lemon–Parmesan sauce, giving each bite a smooth and satisfying texture.

Large Shrimp (or Prawns)
Tender and naturally sweet, they are the star protein that brings a fresh, coastal feel to the dish.

Garlic
Provides the bold aromatic base that infuses the shrimp and the sauce with rich, savory depth.

Heavy Cream
Creates the silky, luxurious sauce that ties everything together in a rich and comforting way.

Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice
Add brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cream and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Butter
Deepens the flavor and gives the sauce a smooth, velvety finish.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, nutty richness that melts beautifully into the sauce for classic Italian character.

Red Pepper Flakes
Give a gentle touch of heat that complements the creamy and citrus flavors.

Fresh Parsley
Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the entire dish visually and in flavor.

Expert Tips

Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking
This helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming, giving you tender, flavorful prawns with a light golden crust.

Do not overcrowd the pan
Cook the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Cook the shrimp only until opaque
Overcooking makes them rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and firm, remove them from the skillet.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese
It melts more smoothly into the sauce and gives a richer, more authentic flavor.

Let the cream sauce simmer briefly before adding cheese
This thickens the sauce naturally and prevents it from becoming watery.

Add lemon juice at the end
This keeps the flavor bright and fresh instead of muted by the heat.

Reserve pasta water
The starchy water helps you adjust the sauce to the perfect silky consistency.

Taste and season the sauce before mixing with pasta
A small adjustment of salt or pepper can make the flavors pop.

Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
This enhances the aroma and gives the pasta a glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Garnish right before serving
Fresh parsley and optional cherry tomatoes add color, freshness, and balance to the creamy seafood.

Spaghetti With Prawns And Garlic And Lemon

Ingredients

12 oz. dry linguine

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb. large shrimp* (or extra large)

1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)

1 cup heavy cream

2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

4 Tbsp butter, cut into 1-Tbsp pieces

1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (2.5 oz)

2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp parlsey, 1 lb cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil (with about 4 quarts water). Season water with salt and cook pasta to al dente according to directions listed on package. Before draining reserve 1 cup pasta water.

Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Dab shrimp dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper. Add to skillet in a single layer.

Let cook until pink on bottom, about 1 – 2 minutes. Add garlic, turn shrimp and continue to cook until cooked through (shrimp should be opaque). Transfer shrimp to a sheet of foil and wrap loosely to keep warm.

In a medium saucepan heat cream along with lemon zest and red pepper flakes over medium heat.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer until reduced slightly, about 2 minutes.Add in butter and whisk until melted.

Remove cream mixture from heat, then stir in parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

In the skillet used to cook shrimp toss the drained linguine with sauce and lemon juice. Thin with pasta water as needed. Toss in shrimp.

Serve warm garnished with parsley if desired.

Important Notes When Making Spaghetti With Prawns And Garlic And Lemon

This recipe depends on the freshness of the seafood.
Use high-quality shrimp or prawns for the best flavor and texture.

Do not overcook the shrimp.
They should be tender and juicy; once they turn opaque, remove them from the heat.

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Cook the pasta just to al dente.
It will finish cooking in the sauce, helping it absorb all the creamy lemon flavor.

Reserve some pasta cooking water.
This helps loosen and emulsify the sauce so it coats the pasta smoothly.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.

Add the lemon juice at the end of cooking.
This keeps the citrus flavor bright and prevents bitterness.

Keep the heat gentle when simmering the cream sauce.
High heat can cause the sauce to separate.

Season each layer as you go.
A little salt and pepper at each step ensures the dish tastes perfectly balanced.

Serve the pasta immediately after combining.
The sauce is creamiest and the shrimp are most tender when fresh and hot.

Optional garnishes elevate both flavor and presentation.
Fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes add color, freshness, and contrast to the rich sauce.

How to Enjoy This Dish After Cooking

Serve It Immediately

This pasta is at its best when served hot and fresh. The creamy lemon sauce stays silky, and the prawns remain tender and juicy.

Add a Final Bright Touch

Before serving, finish with a little extra lemon zest or a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the fresh citrus flavor.

Garnish for Richness and Balance

Top with:

Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley
Optional cherry tomatoes for color and freshness

These simple additions make the dish look beautiful and taste even better.

Pair with Drinks

Enjoy it with:

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Sparkling water with lemon
A light salad or garlic bread on the side

Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil right before eating.

Make It a Full Meal

Serve with:

A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
Warm crusty bread

This balances the richness of the pasta.

Store Leftovers Carefully

If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s smoothness.

Nutrition Information:

Values are estimated per serving, based on 4 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of linguine?

Yes, you can use your preferred type of pasta for this recipe.

Linguine works well, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne can be substituted.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps to thin out the sauce and bind it with the pasta.

It’s recommended to reserve some pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe.

Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides richness to the sauce, you can try using alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.

However, the sauce may not be as creamy.

Can I omit the red pepper flakes if I don’t want it spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat.

You can omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish, or add more if you like it spicier.

Adjust to suit your taste.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?

Shrimp are cooked through when they turn opaque and pink.

Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

Reheat the sauce gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.

What can I use as a substitute for parsley?

If you don’t have parsley, you can garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Just sauté them along with the garlic until tender before adding the cream.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.