Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: One-Pan Comforts

This dish combines succulent shrimp with bright lemon zest and garlic in a single skillet for simplicity and taste. Angel hair pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth infused with fresh lemon juice and herbs, creating a vibrant sauce that coats every strand. Butter and Parmesan add richness while parsley brightens the finish. Ready in 30 minutes, this is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright, flavorful, creamy sauce. Save
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright, flavorful, creamy sauce. | toastybloom.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 is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something light yet flavorful and comforting.

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

Heat the olive oil and butter:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook shallot and garlic:
Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook shrimp:
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.
Add broth and lemon:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
Cook pasta:
Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. Cook stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed 4–5 minutes.
Combine shrimp and finish:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in parsley and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and more parsley if desired.
Golden, perfectly cooked One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to savor. Save
Golden, perfectly cooked One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to savor. | toastybloom.com

This dish always brings my family together especially on weeknights when we want something quick but delicious.

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.

Enjoy savory One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Save
Enjoy savory One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | toastybloom.com

Enjoy this bright flavorful dish that comes together quickly and impresses every time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti can substitute angel hair pasta. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure pasta is al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish creamier?

Adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the broth before cooking enhances creaminess without overpowering the lemon flavor.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side; remove from heat promptly to retain tenderness.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony brightness and garlic notes beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the dish’s flavors intact.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp tossed with lemon, garlic, and angel hair pasta, all cooked together in one skillet.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
20 minutes
Complete Time
30 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group One-Pan Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Servings Made 4 Portion Count

Dietary Notes None specified

What You Need

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 extra 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat fats: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 02

Sauté shallot and garlic: Cook shallot for 2 minutes until softened, then add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer; season with salt and pepper and sauté 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 04

Simmer broth and lemon: Pour in broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice; bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to skillet, toss gently to combine, then stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 07

Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Tongs
  • Microplane or zester
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter, Parmesan), and wheat (pasta).
  • Use gluten-free pasta to suit gluten-free diets.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g