Aug 28 2026

Shrimp Recipe

Time35m
Serves4

Make Shrimp Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta & cooking liquids

Method

Pasta & cooking liquids

  1. 1

    Boil pasta

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz dried linguine and cook according to package directions until just shy of al dente (about 9–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Shrimp

  1. 2

    Season shrimp

    Pat the 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with 3 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp lemon zest until evenly coated.

  2. 3

    Sear shrimp

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add half the shrimp in a single layer (don't overcrowd). Cook 1–1.5 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp, adding a second tablespoon of oil if needed. Set cooked shrimp aside.

Sauce & aromatics

  1. 4

    Sweat aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.

  2. 5

    Deglaze

    Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

  3. 6

    Make sauce

    Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches a silky consistency.

  4. 7

    Finish sauce with shrimp

    Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss gently to coat and warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as desired.

Combine & finish

  1. 8

    Toss with pasta

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Using tongs, toss to combine thoroughly, adding reserved pasta cooking water as needed (up to the reserved 1 cup) to loosen and emulsify the sauce so it clings to the pasta.

  2. 9

    Add finishing touches

    Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons butter if you want extra gloss. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss briefly to combine.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Divide the pasta among 4 plates or bowls. Garnish with additional parsley, basil if using, and lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan.

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