Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This vibrant dish combines succulent shrimp with delicate angel hair pasta, all enhanced by fresh lemon zest, garlic, and a buttery sauce. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Aromatic shallots and a touch of red pepper flakes create a balanced depth, while Parmesan and parsley finish it with savory richness. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that highlights fresh ingredients and simple techniques.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:34:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta: a delicious, flavorful pasta dish with vibrant shrimp. Save
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta: a delicious, flavorful pasta dish with vibrant shrimp. | nachohaha.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 flavorful it is without an overload of ingredients.

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.
This image shows a steaming plate of One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with fresh herbs. Save
This image shows a steaming plate of One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta with fresh herbs. | nachohaha.com

This recipe quickly became a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners where everyone loves the fresh flavors and quick prep.

Substitutions

You can substitute linguine or spaghetti for angel hair if preferred; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Golden shrimp and angel hair pasta swim in a lemon garlic sauce, a complete One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta. Save
Golden shrimp and angel hair pasta swim in a lemon garlic sauce, a complete One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta. | nachohaha.com

This dish is a perfect balance of quick preparation and bright flavor that will impress any seafood lover.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute angel hair pasta with another type?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti can be used as alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is al dente.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy.

What broth works best for this dish?

Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is ideal to control salt levels and enhance the lemon-garlic flavors.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream with the broth creates a richer, creamier sauce.

What herbs pair well with this skillet dish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but basil or chives can also complement the lemon and garlic notes nicely.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta melded with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs in an easy one-pan skillet dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements 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 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

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Shallot and Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Phase 02

Cook Shrimp: Add 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.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta

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