Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter and vodka sauce, tossed with linguine and fresh citrus zest for a bright, flavorful pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine pasta, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry vodka
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove shrimp to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then carefully pour in 1/4 cup dry vodka. Simmer for 2 minutes until the alcohol aroma diminishes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp orange zest. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then add 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Return shrimp and drained linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in sauce. Add reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time if sauce needs loosening. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the pasta before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Vodka and Citrus Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
