Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This bright and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp with angel hair pasta, cooked together in a single skillet. Garlic, fresh lemon zest, and juice infuse every bite, while butter and Parmesan add richness. The method is simple: sauté aromatics, cook shrimp, then simmer pasta in a lemony broth until perfectly tender. Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a burst of herbal brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a sophisticated yet uncomplicated meal with a balance of zest and creaminess.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked pink shrimp and bright lemon zest. Save
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked pink shrimp and bright lemon zest. | pepperplume.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.

I love how quickly this dish comes together and how the flavors meld beautifully with minimal effort.

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.
Golden angel hair pasta twirled with lemon-garlic shrimp, a flavorful easy one-skillet dinner. Save
Golden angel hair pasta twirled with lemon-garlic shrimp, a flavorful easy one-skillet dinner. | pepperplume.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a quick and delicious meal.

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 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 46 g Protein: 29 g

Creamy One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready for serving with fresh parsley and parmesan. Save
Creamy One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready for serving with fresh parsley and parmesan. | pepperplume.com

This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels both light and satisfying.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute the angel hair pasta with another type?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti can be used as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time since thicker pasta takes a bit longer to become tender.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the broth creates a richer, creamier sauce without overpowering the lemon and garlic flavors.

What is the best way to avoid overcooking shrimp?

Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them promptly to prevent toughness.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Be sure to check the broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic notes beautifully, balancing seafood flavors.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta in a lemon-garlic sauce cooked all in one skillet.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations None specified

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Phase 03

Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat. Use gluten-free pasta to avoid gluten.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g