Lemon Shrimp Pasta

The simplicity of this dish belies its sophisticated flavor profile tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan combine to create a luscious pasta you’ll crave again and again. This one-pot lemon shrimp pasta is the answer to your midweek dinner dilemmas. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, easy to double for guests, and elegant enough to serve on special occasions this recipe is a keeper.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and linguine. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.

6. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked shrimp. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

7. Season with salt and black pepper.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

One-Pot Lemon Shrimp Pasta: A Quick and Elegant Weeknight Favorite

There are few things more satisfying than a meal that comes together quickly, tastes restaurant-worthy, and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Enter: One-Pot Lemon Shrimp Pasta a dish that ticks all the boxes for the busy cook who refuses to compromise on flavor. Bursting with citrusy brightness, rich creaminess, and tender shrimp, this pasta is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your weekly rotation after just one bite.

Whether you’re new to cooking seafood at home or you’re simply on the lookout for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe delivers elegance and ease in perfect harmony.

The Beauty of One-Pot Meals

One-pot recipes have gained a loyal following in recent years and for good reason. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, time is a precious commodity. Nobody wants to spend their evenings buried under a mountain of dishes after preparing a hearty meal. One-pot meals streamline the cooking process by combining everything into a single pot, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while saving time and effort.

This lemon shrimp pasta showcases everything great about one-pot cooking. The pasta cooks directly in the broth alongside fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and peppery notes from red chili flakes. As the liquid reduces, it concentrates in flavor and forms the base for a light cream sauce, made even more luxurious with a touch of Parmesan cheese.

Why Shrimp and Lemon Are a Match Made in Culinary Heaven

Seafood and citrus have long been a beloved duo in kitchens around the world. In this dish, shrimp provides a sweet, briny flavor and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and zest. The addition of garlic enhances the natural umami of the shrimp, while crushed red pepper flakes give the dish a gentle kick, elevating it from simple to sensational.

Lemon doesn’t just add flavor it also helps balance the richness of the cream and cheese. The result is a pasta dish that’s indulgent without being overly heavy, making it suitable for a cozy winter night in or a refreshing summer dinner with a glass of chilled white wine.

Texture and Flavor: A Balanced Experience

Texture is often overlooked in pasta dishes, but it plays a critical role in how we enjoy our meals. This recipe pays close attention to achieving a balance of creamy, chewy, and tender. Cooking the pasta in broth allows it to absorb maximum flavor while maintaining a satisfying bite. The shrimp are lightly sautéed until just pink overcooking would make them rubbery and then added back in at the end to keep them juicy and delicate.

The finished dish boasts layers of flavor: the salty nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, the richness of cream, the peppery edge of chili, and the bright top notes of lemon and parsley. It’s comfort food with finesse.

Tips for Perfect Execution Every Time

Although the recipe is straightforward, a few insider tips can help elevate your final result:

• Use raw shrimp: Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, which can easily become overcooked and tough when reheated. Raw shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavor more effectively.

• Don’t skip the lemon zest: Zest carries intense citrus oils that add depth and complexity to the dish. It’s not just about the juice.

• Al dente is key: Pasta that is slightly firm to the bite (al dente) continues to cook after you remove it from the heat. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially in one-pot dishes.

• Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese blends seamlessly into the cream sauce.

• Finish with fresh herbs: Parsley or even basil adds a pop of freshness that balances the creamy and savory elements.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best aspects of this lemon shrimp pasta is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want to experiment, this dish is highly adaptable.

• Add vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

• Make it spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.

• Go dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.

• Swap the protein: Don’t like shrimp? Use seared scallops, chunks of white fish, or even grilled chicken.

• Try different pasta shapes: Linguine is classic, but fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish offers a nice balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. Shrimp is low in calories yet high in protein, and it’s a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Lemon juice provides a small dose of vitamin C, while Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and protein.

If you’re watching your calories or sodium, consider using low-sodium broth and moderating the amount of cheese and cream. Alternatively, you can bulk up the dish with extra vegetables to reduce the pasta portion without sacrificing volume or satisfaction.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This One-Pot Lemon Shrimp Pasta is incredibly versatile. It’s light enough for a warm-weather meal but comforting enough for cold winter nights. It works equally well as a romantic date-night entrée, a casual family dinner, or a sophisticated dish for entertaining guests. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chardonnay, if you enjoy wine with dinner.

Serving suggestions include a simple green salad with vinaigrette, crusty bread for dipping, or roasted vegetables for a hearty side.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is best served fresh, as shrimp can toughen when reheated. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.

While the dish isn’t freezer-friendly due to the dairy content and delicate texture of shrimp, you can prep elements like cleaned shrimp, grated cheese, and pre-measured ingredients in advance to make weeknight cooking even easier.

Conclusion:

The One-Pot Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a celebration of simplicity, elegance, and robust flavor. It transforms humble ingredients into something truly memorable, all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply seeking a go-to recipe that checks every box quick, tasty, minimal cleanup this dish is guaranteed to impress.