Zesty One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a zesty one-pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta takes mere moments to create a delightful meal.

Busy weeknights demand quick solutions that pack serious flavor punches.

Seafood lovers understand the magic of combining tender shrimp with bright citrus notes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Creamy pasta strands wrap around plump shrimp, infused with garlic robust warmth and lemon tangy embrace.

Simple techniques transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary that will impress anyone sitting at your table.

This dish proves gourmet meals can emerge effortlessly in under twenty minutes.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

What Makes Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta So Bold

• This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Busy home cooks can prepare a delicious, protein-packed meal in just minutes, making it perfect for hectic schedules.
• Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like adding vegetables or switching protein types to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
• Professional-level flavor comes together with basic pantry staples, empowering home chefs to create impressive dishes without complicated techniques.

What You Need For Shrimp Pasta In One Pan

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides protein and a delicate flavor.
• Pasta: Quick-cooking base that absorbs the zesty sauce.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking pasta and creating a creamy sauce.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and spicy kick to the dish.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus notes that elevate the overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy saltiness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the final dish.

How To Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Toss Everything Into the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and combine your ingredients with excitement.

• Pasta
• Shrimp
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Red pepper flakes
• Cold water

Let all these delicious components mingle together, ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Bring the Heat

Crank up the stove to high heat and bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil.

Keep your wooden spoon handy and stir occasionally to prevent any pasta from getting clingy to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Dial down the heat to medium and start the magic transformation.

Stir frequently as the pasta becomes tender and the shrimp turns a beautiful pink color.

Watch for that perfect al dente texture – this should take around 9-11 minutes.

Step 4: Manage the Liquid

If your pasta looks thirsty and hasn’t absorbed enough liquid, splash in some extra water, about a quarter cup at a time.

You’re the maestro of moisture here!

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and most of the water has disappeared, pull the skillet off the heat.

You’re aiming for a luxurious, creamy sauce that hugs every single pasta strand.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Let the Flavors Mingle

Give your masterpiece a couple of minutes to rest.

This allows the sauce to thicken and all those incredible flavors to get to know each other better.

Get ready to dive in!

Quick Tips For One-Pan Shrimp Pasta

• Watch the water absorption carefully to achieve the perfect pasta texture without overcooking the delicate shrimp.
• Chop fresh parsley right before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more intense, creamy finish that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference, from mild to fiery.
• Keep extra water nearby to prevent pasta from drying out, ensuring a silky, cohesive one-pan meal.

Storage And Reheating Guide For Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shrimp and pasta will stay fresh and tasty.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain pasta texture.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat. Add small amount of water or extra olive oil to revive sauce and prevent sticking. Stir constantly to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
• Not recommended due to pasta's delicate texture. Shrimp and pasta can become mushy and lose quality when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh within a few days of cooking.

Sides That Work With Shrimp Pasta Meals

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the zesty lemon and garlic flavors, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to echo the pasta's bright, tangy notes and add a crisp texture to the meal.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or French baguette slices brushed with garlic butter will help soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
• Serve with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with dill and a light yogurt dressing offer a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, zesty shrimp pasta.

Bold New Styles For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace shrimp with sautéed firm tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the zesty lemon garlic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa noodles to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same quick cooking method.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Version: Omit Parmesan cheese and replace butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy the same bright, tangy flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the pan.

• What type of pasta works best for this one-pan method?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great because they cook evenly and absorb the liquid well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or skip them entirely. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The one-pan method is simple and requires basic cooking techniques like stirring and monitoring heat.

Zesty One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in 20 Minutes! Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, bringing quick comfort with bold flavors. Silky noodles wrapped in zesty sauce and succulent shrimp promise a delightful meal that satisfies you in mere moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fats and Garnishes:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Arrange pasta, shrimp, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, butter, and red pepper flakes in a large skillet, covering with cold water.
2. Ignite burner to high heat, bringing liquid to a rolling boil while gently stirring to prevent pasta from clumping.
3. Transition heat to medium, continuously stirring for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture and shrimp turns vibrant pink.
4. Monitor liquid levels, incrementally introducing small amounts of water if pasta requires additional moisture to complete cooking.
5. When pasta absorbs most liquid and develops a silky consistency, remove skillet from heat source, creating a luxurious sauce coating.
6. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profile.
7. Allow dish to rest momentarily, permitting sauce to achieve a slightly thickened, glossy appearance before serving.

Notes

• Choose quick-cooking shrimp like medium or small sizes to ensure even cooking within the 9-11 minute timeframe.
• Opt for gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance, adding more for heat lovers or reducing for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg