Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Family Comfort Meals

This dish combines tender shrimp with delicate angel hair pasta in a bright, garlicky lemon sauce. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it merges fresh garlic, shallot, lemon zest, and juice with a savory broth to infuse every bite with vibrant flavor. Butter and Parmesan enhance the creamy texture, while parsley adds a fresh herbal note. Quick to make and perfect for easy cleanup, it serves four and balances light acidity with savory richness.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright lemon-garlic sauce, served hot. Pin this
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright lemon-garlic sauce, served hot. | plumoven.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 house for its simplicity and burst of fresh flavors.

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 23 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, 45 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.
Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta glistening in a flavorful one-skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish. Pin this
Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta glistening in a flavorful one-skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish. | plumoven.com

This dish is a hit during family dinners with everyone asking for seconds and sharing stories around the table.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 per serving, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 29 g

A close-up of steaming One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to be enjoyed. Pin this
A close-up of steaming One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to be enjoyed. | plumoven.com

This recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh flavors and quick prep, ideal for busy weeknights.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Angel hair pasta is ideal for absorbing the flavorful sauce and cooking quickly in the skillet. Linguine or spaghetti can be used as alternatives with slight adjustments to cooking time.

How can I ensure the shrimp stays tender?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

Can I add cream to this sauce?

Yes, for a richer and creamier texture, add a quarter cup of heavy cream along with the broth during cooking.

What can I substitute for the broth if vegan?

Use vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful and suitable for pescatarian or vegan adaptations when combined with non-animal ingredients.

How do I adjust the dish for gluten-free needs?

Replace angel hair pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Cooking times may vary, so monitor closely to achieve al dente texture.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the lemony and garlicky flavors nicely.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A vibrant lemon and garlic pasta featuring succulent shrimp and angel hair cooked in one skillet.

Prep time
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Total Duration
30 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type Italian-American

Servings made 4 Portions

Dietary details None specified

Ingredient List

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 8 oz 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 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Pantry

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 04

Simmer broth and lemon: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat. Substitute gluten-free pasta to avoid gluten.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g