15-Minute Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Shrimp Linguine: Your Go-To Quick & Fresh Summer Pasta
This shrimp linguine with lemon butter cream sauce incorporates the vibrant flavors of summer and comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect quick and delightful meal.
Summer is synonymous with vibrant flavors, lighter meals, and spending more time outdoors. When the sun is shining and the temperatures soar, the last thing anyone wants is to be cooped up in a hot kitchen, slaving over a complex meal. This season calls for dishes that are not only bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients but also incredibly easy and quick to prepare. Imagine a delectable meal that tastes like it took hours, but actually comes together in just minutes. This shrimp linguine with its zesty lemon butter cream sauce embodies everything we love about summer dining – it’s bright, refreshing, satisfying, and unbelievably fast.
As the mercury rises, my culinary cravings naturally lean towards seafood. It’s an ideal choice for warmer months – inherently light, packed with nutrients, and remarkably simple to cook. Among the vast array of oceanic delights, shrimp stands out as my ultimate summer go-to. Its delicate sweetness and quick-cooking nature make it an incredibly versatile ingredient. Whether tossed into a vibrant summer salad, grilled for a succulent skewer, or, as in this delightful recipe, expertly paired with pasta, shrimp consistently delivers amazing flavor and texture without any fuss. It’s the perfect canvas for bold, fresh seasonings, absorbing them beautifully to create a truly memorable dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
In our household, lemon butter sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a culinary cornerstone. My husband, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of this luscious sauce, frequently requests mahi-mahi practically swimming in its golden goodness, often several times a week. While I wholeheartedly share his passion for the bright, rich flavors of a perfectly executed lemon butter sauce, even the most beloved dish can become monotonous when served repeatedly. That’s why I’m always looking for innovative ways to incorporate this cherished sauce into new and exciting meals, keeping our weeknight dinners fresh, exciting, and full of flavor without falling into a rut.
The secret to an exceptional lemon butter sauce lies in its simplicity and the unwavering quality of its core components. It absolutely must feature fresh lemon – both the juice and the zest are crucial, contributing a bright, tangy character that defines the sauce. Real, unsalted butter is non-negotiable; its creamy richness forms the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth base. Garlic, finely minced, provides an aromatic depth that is simply irresistible and adds a foundational layer of savory flavor. And for that perfect touch of herbaceous freshness and a subtle kick, basil and chili pepper flakes are essential. These five humble ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create a truly delicious and incredibly versatile sauce that can elevate countless dishes beyond just seafood, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
While I possess an undeniable love for fresh herbs and the vibrant essence they bring to cooking, I must admit a recurring kitchen tragedy: I often let them wither and die before I can ever put them to their intended culinary use. They typically transform into a sad, black pulp, forgotten in the back of the refrigerator until it’s too late. This common dilemma often leads to wasted ingredients, frustrating culinary plans, and a noticeable lack of that vibrant, garden-fresh flavor in home-cooked meals, a problem many busy individuals face.
Fortunately, with Gourmet Garden’s innovative line of Lightly Dried Herbs, those days of expensive, wilted herbs are a thing of the past. This brilliant range, offering five distinct varieties, provides the closest possible experience to fresh herbs in terms of flavor, aroma, and even appearance, without the pressure of immediate use. Their unique ‘lightly dried’ process gently removes just enough moisture to preserve the natural oils and vibrant essence, ensuring that you get a potent burst of authentic herb flavor every time. Once opened, these convenient herbs stay fresh and vibrant in your refrigerator for up to four weeks, making them a true game-changer for anyone who loves cooking with herbs but struggles with their notoriously short shelf life. It’s almost as if Gourmet Garden developed this ingenious line with busy home cooks, like myself, specifically in mind, offering both convenience and consistent, high-quality flavor.
For this specific shrimp linguine recipe, I utilized two stars from their collection: the Lightly Dried Basil and Chili Pepper. The basil infuses the lemon butter cream sauce with that quintessential taste of summer – bright, aromatic, and incredibly fresh, elevating the overall flavor profile. Meanwhile, the chili pepper flakes introduce a delicate, nuanced warmth, adding a subtle depth and a gentle kick that perfectly complements the zesty lemon and sweet shrimp, without ever overpowering the dish. These herbs are not just convenient; they actively enhance the flavor profile, making this quick meal taste sophisticated and gourmet.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this incredible dish is its astonishing speed. From the moment you start preparing your ingredients to the moment you’re ready to serve, this shrimp linguine comes together in a mere 15 minutes. This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a culinary triumph that defies expectations. It delivers all the complex, satisfying flavors you’d expect from a dish that typically demands hours of preparation, yet without any of the extensive labor. This means less time spent in a hot kitchen and significantly more time to savor the beautiful summer weather, relax, and enjoy good company. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something spectacular without the fuss.
Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Fresh flavors of lemon and basil mingle with rich butter and succulent shrimp for a hearty pasta dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and tail removed
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes, such as Gourmet Garden
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons basil, such as Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried Basil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the linguine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy consistency in our sauce.
- While your pasta is busily cooking, grab a large, deep skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is glistening, add the minced garlic and chili pepper flakes, allowing them to sizzle gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, introduce the peeled and tail-removed shrimp to the pan. Season generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately five minutes, or until the shrimp turn a beautiful opaque pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough very quickly.
- Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest, followed by the heavy cream and your reserved pasta liquid. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about two minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin thickening slightly. The aroma at this stage will be absolutely incredible!
- Drain your cooked linguine thoroughly and add it directly to the sauté pan with the luscious lemon butter cream sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce. Continue to cook for an additional minute, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce’s richness. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the aromatic lightly dried basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the pasta sit for about five minutes. This resting time is important as it allows the sauce to thicken further and cling beautifully to the linguine. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a fresh lemon wedge for an added burst of flavor, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a basket of crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce. For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with some finely chopped fresh parsley or a few more basil leaves to brighten the presentation and flavor.
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You could easily swap linguine for another long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti, or even a shorter shape like penne or farfalle for a different textural experience. To boost your vegetable intake and add more color, consider adding some cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, tender asparagus, or finely chopped zucchini to the skillet along with the shrimp during the cooking process. For a different protein, succulent scallops or even thinly sliced chicken breast could be used, adjusting cooking times as necessary. A splash of dry white wine, like a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, added with the lemon juice can also enhance the depth of the sauce, offering a sophisticated twist to this already delightful dish.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Summer Favorite
In conclusion, this 15-minute shrimp linguine is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavors in record time. It’s the perfect harmony of tangy lemon, rich butter, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp, all brought to life by the fresh notes of basil and a subtle hint of chili. Ideal for busy weeknights, a relaxed weekend lunch, or even an impromptu dinner party, this dish promises a restaurant-quality experience right in the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to heavy, complicated summer cooking and hello to effortless elegance and incredible taste. Give this fantastic recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a vibrant, quick, and satisfying meal that will impress everyone!
Want more quick and delicious pasta ideas? Try these recipes:
Pasta Primavera Salad – Hungry Couple
Sesame Shrimp Peanut Noodles – Chocolate Moosey
American Chop Suey – A Family Feast
Veggie-Filled Tortellini Skillet – Cookie Monster Cooking
Disclosure: This recipe was developed for the lovely folks at Gourmet Garden. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my recipes and site while I work with brands I adore.