Shrimp Piccata Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan (28 Minutes)

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You’ve probably heard of chicken piccata but have you ever thought about swapping in shrimp?

Shrimp piccata is a light yet flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and the briny punch of capers.

Tossed with pasta and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors that’s perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or a casual meal at home.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (your favorite variety)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if desired)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  2. Season and Cook Shrimp (5 minutes): Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Piccata Sauce (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients (3 minutes): Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, and butter to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Finish and Serve (2 minutes): Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the pasta garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

Shrimp piccata is a dish that impresses with its simple elegance and rich flavor profile. For the best results, use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese.

The lemon zest and fresh parsley garnish add a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. This pasta is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables like spinach or asparagus for an extra nutritional boost. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

Pair this with...

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Rotisserie Chicken Arepas (45 Minutes)

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!