Lemon Shrimp Pasta

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This Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a 30 minute one pan dinner packed with bright citrus and tender shrimp. It's perfect for busy nights.

lemony shrimp pasta on white plate, twirled on fork + blue napkin

The dinner struggle is real. We get stuck in a loop: pasta with red sauce, maybe tacos, then back again. Even a chef like Keith gets overwhelmed when it's time to plan meals. That's why we love go-to recipes like Pasta Pomodoro, Meatless Mushroom Ragù, and now this bright and zesty Lemon Shrimp Pasta.

This easy shrimp pasta recipe is weeknight gold. It's got juicy shrimp, fresh lemon, garlic, and broccoli, all tossed with past and a little reserved cooking water to make a silky, lemony sauce. It feels fancy but takes almost no effort. It's exactly what we need midweek.

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Ingredients
Featured review
Instructions
🔪Top tip
Substitutions and variations
🍤 More Shrimp Recipes
Storage
FAQ
Related recipes
Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe

Ingredients

for the pasta:

PASTA: angel hair pasta (you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine)
RESERVED PASTA WATER: save before draining

for the shrimp:

SHRIMP: raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
OLIVE OIL: use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford
GARLIC: fresh garlic cloves

add-ins and garnish:

BABY BROCCOLI: substitute regular broccoli or broccoli rabe in a pinch
LEMON: use fresh lemons (not lemon juice concentrate)
BUTTER: salted butter or unsalted butter
PARMESAN CHEESE: freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano)
ALMONDS: slivered almonds, lightly toasted
PARSLEY: fresh parsley for garnish

*see recipe card for quantities.

Featured review

❝ So good and fast to make when you are short on time! ❞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Instructions

Cook the pasta: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the shrimp: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
Add broccoli & lemon: add cooked broccoli, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss gently to combine.
Combine with pasta: add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish and serve: top with toasted almonds, more lemon zest, and a sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino if desired. Serve Lemon Shrimp Pasta warm, garnished with fresh black pepper.

close up of lemony shrimp pasta on white plate with fork

🔪Top tip

Save your pasta water! It's liquid gold that helps create a silky lemon-garlic sauce without needing cream or butter.

Substitutions and variations

Pasta: angel hair pasta works beautifully, but spaghetti, linguine, or fettucine are all great options. Short shapes like penne will also do the trick.
Veggies: broccoli is our go-to, but asparagus, spinach, or zucchini are great swaps. Just sauté or blanch them before tossing in.
Spice: add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat.
Nuts: not a fan of almonds? Leave them out, or sub with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
Make it creamy: stir in a splash of cream to give your shrimp pasta a silky finish.

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lemony shrimp pasta on a plate with fork

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a sauté pan (with a little oil or butter) or heat up in the microwave.
Avoid freezing: shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta tends to lose its texture after thawing.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this lemon shrimp pasta?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps to prevent excess water and ensures they sear properly.

What pasta works best for Lemon Shrimp Pasta?

We love using angel hair for its quick cook time and delicate texture. But spaghetti, linguine, or fettucine work too. Use what you have on hand!

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cook quickly, usually just 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, then remove the heat right away.

How do I clean and devein shrimp?

To clean shrimp, rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. To devein, use a sharp knife or shrimp deveiner to make shallow slit along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein.

Can I make this shrimp pasta ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and broccoli ahead. To reheat add a splash of pasta water or olive oil to refresh to sauce.

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