Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Fresh & Easy Dinners

This bright, one-skillet dish combines succulent shrimp with angel hair pasta infused with fresh lemon and fragrant garlic. Cooking everything in a single pan allows the flavors to meld beautifully while simplifying cleanup. The sauce, enriched with butter and Parmesan, balances zesty citrus and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. It’s an easy, satisfying meal highlighting fresh ingredients and quick preparation.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:40:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright lemon zest. Pin it
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright lemon zest. | freshymeals.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 dish quickly became a family favorite thanks to its bright flavors and minimal prep time.

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 2 to 3 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, 4 to 5 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-brown shrimp nestle in One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to be enjoyed. Pin it
Golden-brown shrimp nestle in One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to be enjoyed. | freshymeals.com

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, creating memorable family dinners.

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 per serving

Imagine the aroma: Fresh parsley brightens this One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta dish beautifully. Pin it
Imagine the aroma: Fresh parsley brightens this One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta dish beautifully. | freshymeals.com

This dish offers a fresh and flavorful weeknight meal that’s both simple and impressive.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is al dente.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2–3 minutes per side, to ensure they are tender and fully cooked.

What can I add for a creamier texture?

Adding a splash of heavy cream to the broth before cooking the pasta will create a richer, creamier sauce.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, you can substitute the angel hair pasta with a gluten-free variety to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the bright lemon and garlic flavors nicely.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta with lemon and garlic, cooked together for bright, savory notes.

How long to prep
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Overall time
30 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Fresh & Easy Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian-American

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details None specified

What you need

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

Steps to follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Arrange 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 juice; bring to a simmer.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to skillet, gently toss with pasta, then stir in parsley and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

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

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter, Parmesan), and wheat (pasta). Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 410
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Protein amount: 29 g