Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe – Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pappardelle 

Want a Quick + Easy Dish That’s Always a Crowd-Pleaser?

Allow me to introduce you to my lemon garlic shrimp pappardelle! This dish is one of those recipes that feels elevated but is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing dinner guests, celebrating a cozy date night in, or adding a touch of luxury to your weekly meal rotation. I’ve made this for several friends and it becomes a recipe swap moment. And now, here it is for you. 

The best part? You can grab all the ingredients at Trader Joe’s. From their buttery Argentinian shrimp to the silky ribbons of pappardelle pasta, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Now, if you live in a state that doesn’t have Trader Joe’s, don’t fear — you can grab the like items at most grocery stores.

Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a romantic dinner or simply craving a little light comfort after a long day, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Trader Joe’s Shopping List: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy shrimp pasta dish. Everything is easily found at Trader Joe’s (or your favorite grocery store):

• Pappardelle pasta
  
• 1 lb of Argentinian Shrimp
  
• Crushed garlic (2 cloves)
  
• 1 lemon
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  
• 21 Seasoning Salute (a Trader Joe’s staple!), to taste
  
• Red pepper flakes
  
• Salt
  
• Olive oil (Another brand favorite is by Giadzy!)
  

That’s it! A short, accessible list of ingredients that come together for a dish that feels fresh, flavorful and comforting.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pappardelle

Let’s break down how to make this Trader Joe’s pasta recipe, step by step. It’s beginner-friendly, comes together in under 30 minutes, and looks as beautiful as it tastes.

1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pappardelle pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, move on to prepping your shrimp.

2. Pre-Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine the shrimp with crushed garlic, juice from half a lemon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of  Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute. Stir everything together and let the shrimp marinate for about 5–10 minutes.

3. Melt the Butter
In a skillet heated to medium, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it starts to lightly bubble and foam. This creates the perfect base for your garlic shrimp to develop that rich, buttery flavor.

4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and transfer to a plate.

5. Toss the Pasta
Drain your cooked pasta well, then add it directly to the same skillet. Drizzle with olive oil to your taste and season with 2 more teaspoons of 21 Seasoning Salute and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything to combine so that the pasta absorbs all that garlicky, buttery goodness.

6. Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the pan and heat everything together for another 1–2 minutes on low. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

The result? A glossy, lemony, buttery pasta dish that looks like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

Make It a Meal: Easy Side Ideas

This lemon garlic shrimp pappardelle pairs beautifully with a few simple sides that balance its bright and buttery flavor profile.

Try serving it with:

• A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
  
• Roasted or grilled asparagus, zucchini, or broccolini for extra greens
  

Whether you’re serving it for date night or a dinner party, a well-rounded plate will make the experience feel extra special.

Wine Pairing: The Perfect Sip for Your Shrimp Pasta

No pasta night is complete without a glass of wine!

For this dish, I love pairing it with Prosecco, which you can find at Trader Joe’s as well (their Prosecco D.O.C. is great) or look for the Coppola Diamond Prosecco. The bubbles add a light, crisp contrast to the buttery shrimp and balance the acidity of the lemon. It’s the ultimate easy, celebratory pairing—especially if you’re hosting or just want to make a regular Tuesday night feel luxurious.

If bubbles aren’t your thing, try a Sauvignon Blanc, like Whitehaven. It’s a crisp, and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc out of New Zealand that that complements the citrusy flavors of the shrimp and lemon.

Both options will bring out the best in this recipe — so pour a glass, take a bite, and savor every moment.

Create a Cozy Dinner Experience

I always say that dinner is about more than just the food—it’s about creating an experience.

Here are a few ways to elevate your lemon garlic shrimp pappardelle night:

• Set the scene: Light a few candles and play some soft tunes. Kitchen Swagger is my forever favorite!
  
• Serve family-style: Let guests help themselves from a large serving dish, or even the pan (wrap a tea towel around the handle to elevate it a bit)it encourages connection and conversation.
  
• Add a dessert: Think light and citrusy like lemon sorbet orpanna cotta
  

The combination of this pasta dish, a good wine, and a warm atmosphere will make even a casual weeknight feel like a little celebration.

Share Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pappardelle

Pin It for Later:
Save this recipe to your Easy Weeknight Dinners or Wine Pairing Recipes board so you can come back to it anytime. And follow me on Pinterest for more recipes like this!

Bon Appétit!

There you have it!  It’s quick and easy shrimp pasta recipe that’s elegant, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, this dish proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

So the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab these ingredients and give it a try. Pair it with a chilled Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc, pour yourself a glass, and let me know what you think at @thekachetlife on Instagram.

Bon Appétit!