Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Quick Flavor Pops

This vibrant dish brings together tender shrimp, fresh lemon zest and juice, garlic, and delicate angel hair pasta, all cooked in a single skillet for ease and flavor. Aromatic shallots and a savory broth create a bright sauce enhanced by butter and Parmesan. The dish is finished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, providing a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:10:00 GMT
One-skillet lemon garlic shrimp angel hair pasta, a bright dish with perfectly cooked shrimp and delicate pasta. Save
One-skillet lemon garlic shrimp angel hair pasta, a bright dish with perfectly cooked shrimp and delicate pasta. | fizznib.com

A vibrant, zesty pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon, and a garlicky sauce—all prepared in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my home because it combines freshness with simplicity and gets dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small shallot, finely chopped, 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, Zest and juice of 1 large lemon, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Dairy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 4:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5:
Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, 4–5 minutes.
Step 6:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in parsley and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and more parsley if desired.
Golden shrimp nestle in flavorful lemon garlic sauce in this stunning one-skillet pasta. Save
Golden shrimp nestle in flavorful lemon garlic sauce in this stunning one-skillet pasta. | fizznib.com

My family loves gathering around this dish especially on weeknights when time is tight but flavor is a must.

Notes

Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large skillet (12-inch recommended), Tongs, Microplane or zester, Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) dairy (butter Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). For gluten-free Use gluten-free pasta. Always check labels for potential allergens.

This one-skillet lemon garlic shrimp angel hair pasta features tender shrimp, perfectly coated in a creamy sauce. Save
This one-skillet lemon garlic shrimp angel hair pasta features tender shrimp, perfectly coated in a creamy sauce. | fizznib.com

This dish delivers freshness and comfort in every bite with minimal cleanup needed.

Cooking Guide

How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, to retain tenderness and avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute angel hair pasta with another type?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti can be used as alternatives; just adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve al dente texture.

What broth works best in this dish?

Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth provides a flavorful base without overpowering the lemon and garlic elements.

Is it possible to make the sauce creamier?

Adding about 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the broth before cooking enriches the sauce with a smooth, creamy texture.

What wines pair well with this dish?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the citrus and garlic notes beautifully.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp with lemon, garlic, and angel hair pasta cooked together in one skillet for bright, bold flavors.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Chloe Bennett


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Categories None specified

Components

Seafood

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 8 ounces angel hair pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 small shallot, finely chopped
03 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
04 Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

Pantry

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Phase 01

Heat fat in skillet: Warm olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 04

Simmer broth with lemon: Pour chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Phase 05

Cook pasta: Add angel hair pasta to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Phase 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Phase 07

Serve: Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large skillet (12-inch recommended)
  • Tongs
  • Microplane or zester
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Sensitivity Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g