Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Fast & Flavorful

This vibrant dish features tender shrimp infused with garlic and fresh lemon zest, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it balances bright citrus notes with a buttery, savory sauce. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make it perfect for a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Garnished with parsley and Parmesan to add freshness and richness, this dish suits pescatarian preferences and offers a harmonious blend of Italian-American flavors.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:58:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright lemon. Save
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright lemon. | tastychuck.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 has become a favorite in my household because it's quick to make and always bursts with fresh flavors that impress every 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 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.
This image shows a beautifully plated One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to savor. Save
This image shows a beautifully plated One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, ready to savor. | tastychuck.com

This recipe is always a hit when we gather around the table, creating warm memories with every delicious bite.

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 with Parmesan, a flavorful Italian-American meal. Save
Enjoy savory One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with Parmesan, a flavorful Italian-American meal. | tastychuck.com

Enjoy this vibrant dish any night of the week for a quick and satisfying meal.

Recipe Guide

What type of pasta works best in this dish?

Angel hair pasta is ideal due to its fine texture that absorbs the flavorful sauce quickly, but linguine or spaghetti can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Can I substitute the shrimp with other seafood?

Yes, scallops or small pieces of firm white fish can be used, though cooking times may vary to ensure tenderness.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking will enrich the sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the citrusy and garlicky flavors beautifully.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely, by using gluten-free pasta varieties, the dish remains accessible for those avoiding gluten.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A zesty skillet meal combining shrimp, lemon, garlic, and angel hair pasta bursting with flavor and ease.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
20 min
Full duration
30 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What you'll 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 extra 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Simmer broth and citrus: Pour in broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to skillet, toss gently, then stir in parsley and Parmesan. Season to taste.

Phase 07

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat. Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 29 g