Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta

Experience the ultimate surf-and-turf delight with this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta. This dish perfectly balances the savory richness of golden-seared chicken and tender shrimp with a bright, zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce that coats every strand of linguine. Whether you are hosting a special dinner or simply elevating a weeknight meal, this recipe brings Italian-American comfort directly to your table.

Save

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. By deglazing the pan with a touch of white wine and finishing with fresh parsley, you create a restaurant-quality sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 225 g (1/2 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 225 g (1/2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) linguine or spaghetti
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Sauce & Fats: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 2 tbsp olive oil; 60 ml (1/4 cup) dry white wine (optional); 60 ml (1/4 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
• Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garnish: Lemon wedges; Extra chopped parsley

Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Pat shrimp and chicken dry. Season both with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to the plate with chicken.

Step 5

Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté shallot and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Deglaze with white wine (if using) and let it reduce for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Return chicken and shrimp to the pan, along with cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes, adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and extra parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, always pat your proteins completely dry before seasoning; this allows for a proper golden sear rather than steaming. Additionally, the reserved pasta water is the secret to a perfect sauce consistency—the starch helps the butter and lemon juice emulsify into a silky coating for the noodles.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a richer, more indulgent version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the chicken broth in step 6. You can also easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs by substituting the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this pasta immediately while hot, accompanied by extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For the perfect pairing, enjoy this meal with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the citrus notes of the sauce.

Save

Whether shared with family or served as an impressive dinner for friends, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the bright flavors and the satisfying combination of land and sea!

Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Mince garlic, zest the lemon, and cut proteins several hours before cooking. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce fresh for best results, as the proteins are most tender when freshly cooked.

→ What's the best way to avoid overcooked shrimp?

Cook shrimp for only 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color, and let carryover cooking finish the process while they rest on a plate.

→ Can I substitute the white wine?

Absolutely. If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also use a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar for acidity, though the depth of flavor will differ slightly.

→ How do I achieve the perfect pasta consistency?

Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions, then reserve pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Add it gradually when tossing to reach your desired consistency—a few tablespoons creates a light coating.

→ What wine pairs best with this dish?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright lemon and garlic flavors beautifully. Both wines have crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce and enhances the delicate flavors of the seafood and poultry.

→ How can I make this creamier?

Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half with the broth in step 6. This creates a luxurious sauce while maintaining the brightness of the lemon and garlic. Alternatively, add a splash of cream after returning the proteins to the pan.