Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta is a vibrant surf-and-turf masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. It is an Italian-American favorite that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something elegant yet simple to prepare. The combination of protein and citrus creates a balanced and satisfying meal that feels light yet indulgent.

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The beauty of this classic dish lies in its simplicity and the brightness of its ingredients. Using fresh garlic, shallots, and parsley ensures every forkful of al dente linguine is packed with aromatic flavor. The optional white wine adds a sophisticated depth to the pan sauce, making it a true crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your dining table.

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

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 your pasta reaches the perfect consistency, always reserve some starchy pasta water before draining; it is the secret to getting the sauce to perfectly coat every strand. When browning the chicken, avoid crowding the pan to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust and better flavor development.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This dish is highly adaptable to your preferences. For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the broth. You can also easily substitute the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety or adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this savory meal with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the citrus and seafood notes. Serve in warmed shallow bowls, garnished with extra fresh parsley and bright lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

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Enjoy this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta immediately while the sauce is glossy and the proteins are at their most tender. With its vibrant colors and balanced flavors, it is a dish that truly celebrates the joy of home-cooked Italian-American cuisine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the shrimp and chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep both proteins several hours in advance. Pat them dry, season with salt and pepper, and store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Linguine and spaghetti are ideal choices as their long strands hold the butter sauce beautifully. You can also use fettuccine or pappardelle. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.

→ How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly—typically 1-2 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough.

→ Can I make this dish without white wine?

Absolutely. The wine adds depth, but it's optional. Simply skip it and increase the chicken broth slightly, or use vegetable broth for additional flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the chicken broth and lemon juice. This creates a luxurious, silky sauce while maintaining the bright lemon flavor.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the zesty lemon and delicate seafood beautifully. Both wines have enough acidity to cut through the butter sauce.