Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Tender chicken and shrimp in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce with linguine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

03 - 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - Juice of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Sauce & Fats

09 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/4 cup dry white wine, optional
12 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Extra chopped parsley

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Pat shrimp and chicken dry with paper towels. Season both generously with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to the plate with chicken.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Sauté shallot and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
06 - Deglaze with white wine if using and let reduce for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet with cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
08 - Stir in fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Divide pasta between serving bowls and serve immediately. Garnish each portion with lemon wedges and extra fresh parsley.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Surf-and-Turf: A wonderful combination of proteins for a hearty and varied meal.
  • Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon and garlic creates a bright, restaurant-quality sauce.
  • Quick Prep: Ready in just 45 minutes, it is perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
02 -
  • Don't Overcook: Shrimp cooks very quickly; remove it as soon as it turns opaque to keep it tender.
  • Emulsify: Adding a splash of pasta water at the end helps create a silky sauce that coats every strand.
  • Freshness: Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the most vibrant flavor profile.
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