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pasta al limone with shrimp
Main Dishes

Pasta al Limone with Shrimp

Pasta al Limone is the pasta dish of summer! Bursting with fresh lemon and tender shrimp, this Italian classic is equal parts rich and fresh. You'll turn to this easy one-pan pasta recipe over and over again!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 10 oz bucatini (or other long pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs raw shrimp (anywhere from 10-20 size), peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
  • 2 small shallots, minced
  • 2/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 1/3 cup mascarpone
  • 1 cup freshly grated pecorino romano
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • kosher salt
  • freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the bucatini. Cook until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet (about 12 inches) over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced shallots to the pan and saute for one minute, until softened. Add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Simmer until most of the wine has evaporated and then add the lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened. Add the pasta water and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the pasta from the water with tongs (it’s okay if some water clings to the pasta), and add to the skillet. Add the butter, cheese, and mascarpone and toss the pasta well to coat.
  • Let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce and season to taste with salt, lemon juice, and a good smattering of freshly cracked pepper. Add the shrimp back to the pan to warm through.
  • Top the pasta with some chopped parsley and serve warm.