If you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort and flavor while being super easy to throw together, then my one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta is your new best friend! I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet satisfying, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The bright, zesty lemon paired with succulent shrimp and fragrant garlic creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in just one pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when you want to impress without the stress! It’s become a go-to in my kitchen, and I just know it will be in yours, too!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare One Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that spaghetti cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it just slightly firm because it’ll finish cooking in the skillet later. Once it’s done, drain the pasta well and set it aside. This step is crucial, as it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when we toss it with the shrimp later!
Preparing the Shrimp
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the shrimp! In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté these for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant (but not browned—oops, we don’t want that!). Next, toss in your pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color and are opaque. This is how you know they’re perfectly cooked!
Combining Ingredients
It’s time to bring everything together! Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add the zest for that burst of freshness. Then, gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, making sure every strand is coated in that lovely lemony garlic goodness. Season it all with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking. Finally, don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving! It adds that perfect pop of color and flavor to your dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- One Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze—just one pan to wash!
- Flavor Explosion: The vibrant lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes create a deliciously bold flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Healthier Option: Packed with protein from the shrimp and made with simple ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal without the guilt.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in different pasta shapes to make it your own!
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of zesty lemon and savory garlic makes each bite a delightful experience.
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta turns out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy with the garlic—if you love that flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two. Just remember, the red pepper flakes can pack a punch, so adjust to your heat preference! For a touch of creaminess, consider tossing in a bit of Parmesan cheese right before serving; it melts beautifully and adds a delightful richness.
Always taste as you go! It’s the best way to ensure the flavors are just right for you. And when serving, I love adding a few extra lemon wedges on the side—nothing beats a squeeze of fresh lemon right before digging in! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but trust me, the leftovers can be just as tasty—simply reheat gently to keep that shrimp tender. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to switch up this one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Different Pasta Shapes: Don’t feel limited to spaghetti! You can use linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a heartier option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for a pop of color and extra nutrition. Just add them to the skillet a couple of minutes before the shrimp are done cooking!
- Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try using fresh basil or dill for a unique flavor twist. They pair beautifully with the lemon and shrimp!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to give your dish an extra zing.
- Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese right before serving. It’ll create a luscious, creamy texture that’s simply divine!
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta, storing the leftovers is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help bring the flavors back to life and keep it from drying out. Stir gently until warmed through, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go in no time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta! It’s always good to know what’s going into your meal, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a delightful balance of protein, carbs, and flavors, making it a fantastic choice for a quick yet satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great in this one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and you might need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What if I don’t have spaghetti? Can I use another type of pasta?
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. You can use any pasta you have on hand—linguine, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a kick, feel free to amp up the red pepper flakes or add in some diced jalapeños while cooking the shrimp. You could also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra zing!
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can certainly prep some ingredients ahead of time! Chop your garlic and parsley, and keep your shrimp ready to go in the fridge. Just remember to cook the pasta and combine everything right before you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture.
What should I serve with this pasta?
This one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta is pretty satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to complete the meal, a fresh garden salad or some crusty garlic bread pairs beautifully. And of course, a nice glass of white wine would be the cherry on top!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic pasta or this one pot creamy garlic pasta.
Print
One Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: 5-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: one pan lemon garlic shrimp pasta
