Lemon—whether juice or zest—adds bright, zippy flavor to mild and hearty pasta dishes. And in the summertime, it makes a refreshing alternative to heavy meat sauces. From creamy lemon pasta recipes to dishes with chicken or shrimp, these fresh, citrusy lemon pastas don’t skimp on flavor.

Linguine with Seafood and Sundried TomatoesDiann French

Diann French

Lemon is an excellent pairing for seafood because it brightens its mild flavor and balances any lingering “fishy” taste. In this restaurant-quality dish, linguine is tossed in a creamy garlic-butter sauce, along with tomatoes, lemon zest, parsley, scallops, and shrimp.

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Related: 16 Quick and Easy Shrimp and Pasta Recipes

Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli, Garlic, and LemonStashley

Stashley

Pasta and broccoli are tossed in a simple lemon and garlic sauce to create a simple but satisfying meal. “Light and awesome for summer!” says reviewer wickchick02.

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Related: 8 Lemon Garlic Pasta Dishes That Belong In Your Recipe Box

Lemon Butter Herb PastaDotdash Meredith Food Studios

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

For a light dinner or flavorful side dish, this lemon butter pasta comes together in just 30 minutes. For even more flavor, try substituting fresh herbs for dried.

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Chicken Lemon Linguinebd.weld

bd.weld

Buttery lemon linguine is paired with grilled chicken in this hearty yet vibrant summer dinner. For an even thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch.

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Last-Minute Lemon Shrimp PastaHappyschmoopies

Happyschmoopies

Fresh basil and lemon zest bring fresh, tart flavor to this spaghetti and shrimp dish. “This recipe was so quick to put together and we loved the flavor!” says Allrecipes Allstar Happyschmoopies. “The lemon and basil worked perfectly with the shrimp and pasta.”

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Fettuccine with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp

A thick, cheesy sauce makes a decadent accompaniment for shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fettuccine. But looks are deceiving—this recipe only takes 35 minutes to make.

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Related: 5 Vibrant Recipes Lemon Lovers Will Love

Chicken Piccata with FettuccineDeb C

Deb C

In this favorite Italian dish, chicken is dredged in a flour and lemon pepper mixture, browned, and served over fettuccine with a buttery lemon and caper sauce. “A yummy pasta dish that stays in the limits of pasta town but still very hearty and healthy meal,” says Allrecipes member Kate. “This meal is easy to prepare and good to make for a nice fall or summer lunch.”

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Easy Lemon Shrimp Pastalutzflcat

lutzflcat

Sautéed red bell peppers add a sweetness that helps to balance the acidity of the lemon in this delicious pasta dish. “Comes together very easily and quickly for a tasty meal with lovely presentation,” says Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat.

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Mediterranean Tuna Capellinithedailygourmet

thedailygourmet

In this Mediterranean-inspired dish, capellini pasta, flaked tuna, and cannellini beans are tossed in a lemony-Parmesan sauce. Crushed red pepper adds an unexpected kick.

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Related: 15 Greek Recipes So Good They’ll Make Your Yiayia Swell with Pride

Lemon Pasta with ShrimpSunnyDaysNora

SunnyDaysNora

“Shrimp in linguini pasta with a yummy white cream sauce that has a wonderfully perfect hint of lemon,” says Allrecipes community member Nina. “It adds just the perfect dimension to the flavors of the dish! Serves our family of 5 and has lots of leftovers.”

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Skillet Gnocchi Primavera with Lemon Cream Saucethedailygourmet

thedailygourmet

Put fresh summer veggies on display in this gnocchi tossed in lemon cream sauce. The fact that it all comes together in one skillet is just a bonus.

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Related: 15 Meyer Lemon Recipes That Celebrate Citrus Season

Creamy Lemon Shrimp PastaRenee Pajestka

“This was a very delicious recipe,” says reviewer Alana Voeks. “Not too heavy, not too spicy, and fresh and filling (especially if you add greens). I highly recommend flavoring the shrimp in a citrusy-spicy way, or if you have a favorite savory seasoning you enjoy using with shrimp.”

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Light Lemon Pesto Pasta

“Light, yet full of flavor, this pesto is perfect tossed with hot spaghetti for a quick dinner,” says Baking Nana. “It is also excellent as a pizza sauce or smeared on hot French bread. It freezes well to preserve the bounty of summer basil.”

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Creamy Lemon Chicken PastaMorgan Hunt Glaze / Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall /Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser

Morgan Hunt Glaze / Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall /Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser

“A delicious blend of tender chicken and light, but creamy, lemon sauce and pasta, baked til the top is crispy and lightly browned,” says Allrecipes community member Emme.

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Related: Our 30 Best Baked Pasta Recipes Are Dinners You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Baked Lemon-Butter Salmon with PastaChef Mo

“This is a super simple meal that is largely hands off,” says Allrecipes community member Rebekah Rose Hills. “The bright lemon pairs beautifully with the tender garlicky salmon on a bed of pasta. Garnish liberally with some Parmesan cheese if desired!”

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Photographer: Jacob Fox / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali

Photographer: Jacob Fox / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali

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Dining and Cooking