Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This dish brings together succulent shrimp sautéed with fragrant garlic and shallots, brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice. Angel hair pasta is cooked directly in a flavorful broth, absorbing all the zesty and garlicky notes. Finished with parsley and Parmesan, it offers a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking vibrant, easy-to-prepare dishes that balance freshness and richness in every bite.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:17:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright, lemony sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. Save to Pinterest
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with a bright, lemony sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. | messlitreats.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 have always enjoyed how quickly this dish comes together and how fresh the flavors taste every time I make it.

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 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 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 One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to serve with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Save to Pinterest
Golden One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to serve with Parmesan cheese and parsley. | messlitreats.com

This dish has become a family favorite often enjoyed together on busy weeknights.

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, showcasing tender shrimp and delicious, flavorful pasta. Save to Pinterest
Creamy One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, showcasing tender shrimp and delicious, flavorful pasta. | messlitreats.com

This recipe delivers fresh flavors and minimal cleanup ensuring you can enjoy your meal and the time spent together.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of shrimp is best to use?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best to ensure a tender, even cook and easier eating experience.

Can I substitute angel hair with other pasta?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti can be used; just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the right texture.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding a splash of heavy cream to the broth step creates a richer, silkier sauce without overpowering flavors.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta options and ensure broth ingredients are gluten-free for a safe variation.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic notes beautifully and balances the seafood's richness.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp with lemon and garlic served over angel hair pasta in a single skillet for bright flavors.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cooking Duration
20 min
Overall Duration
30 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin Italian-American

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences None specified

List of Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat fats and sauté shallot: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and combined. Add shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic and red pepper flakes: 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 black pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Cook pasta: Add angel hair pasta to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 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. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g