This Shrimp Linguine is a fresh, flavorful pasta dish that brings together succulent shrimp, tender linguine, and a garlic-kissed lemon sauce. It’s everything you love about a classic seafood pasta—only lighter and quicker. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying, wholesome dinner, this recipe proves that you can enjoy comforting food without overdoing it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Lean & Light: Packed with protein, low in fat.
Bright & Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and parsley lift every bite.
Restaurant-Worthy: Elegant enough to serve guests, simple enough for everyday.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat or light linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Optional garnish: grated Parmesan (light or reduced-fat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water if using instead of broth. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or pasta water). Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to slightly reduce.
4. Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the pan along with the cooked linguine. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley.
5. Serve
Plate immediately. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 4g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Both work—just be sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly—remove as soon as they turn pink and firm.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini ribbons, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed—it pairs beautifully with this sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
Shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in lean protein, making it an ideal base for a lighter pasta dish. The lemon-garlic sauce adds brightness without heavy cream, and the fresh herbs bring everything together. It’s fast, delicious, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Shrimp Linguine is a light yet deeply flavorful meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again—quick enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and always satisfying.
Shrimp Linguine – Light, Savory, and Ready in Minutes
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes310
kcal25
minutesThis Shrimp Linguine is a fresh, flavorful pasta dish that brings together succulent shrimp, tender linguine, and a garlic-kissed lemon sauce. It’s everything you love about a classic seafood pasta—only lighter and quicker. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying, wholesome dinner, this recipe proves that you can enjoy comforting food without overdoing it.
Ingredients
8 oz whole wheat or light linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional garnish: grated Parmesan (light or reduced-fat)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water if using instead of broth. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Shrimp
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or pasta water). Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to slightly reduce. - Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the pan along with the cooked linguine. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley. - Serve
Plate immediately. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Both work—just be sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly—remove as soon as they turn pink and firm.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini ribbons, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed—it pairs beautifully with this sauce.