One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Featured in: One-Pot Cozy Meals

This easy one-skillet dish combines tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, shallots, and a bright lemon zest sauce. Angel hair pasta is simmered directly in a flavorful broth infused with fresh lemon juice, creating a light yet savory base that perfectly complements the seafood. Tossed with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it’s a quick, elegant dinner that balances bright citrus notes with rich buttery undertones. Ideal for a simple but impressive Italian-American meal for four.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:28:00 GMT
One-skillet lemon garlic shrimp pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright flavors. Save
One-skillet lemon garlic shrimp pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright flavors. | olivebriar.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 dish quickly became a family favorite because of its bright flavors and simple preparation.

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.
Golden-brown shrimp nestle amongst angel hair pasta in this flavorful one-skillet dish. Pin it
Golden-brown shrimp nestle amongst angel hair pasta in this flavorful one-skillet dish. | olivebriar.com

Making this recipe always brings everyone to the kitchen where we enjoy sharing stories while the pasta cooks.

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

Fresh Parmesan tops a steaming bowl of one-skillet lemon garlic shrimp pasta, ready to enjoy. Pin it
Fresh Parmesan tops a steaming bowl of one-skillet lemon garlic shrimp pasta, ready to enjoy. | olivebriar.com

This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Angel hair pasta is ideal due to its delicate texture and quick cooking time, but linguine or spaghetti can be substituted with adjusted cooking times.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as directed for best results.

Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp beforehand?

Peeling and deveining ensure a tender texture and better flavor, making the dish more enjoyable.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding a quarter cup of heavy cream along with the broth creates a richer, creamier sauce without overpowering the lemon and garlic flavors.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the bright lemon and garlicky shrimp elements nicely.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives and ensure the broth used contains no gluten additives.

One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp

A vibrant, zesty dish featuring lemon garlic shrimp tossed with delicate angel hair pasta.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: One-Pot Cozy Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: None specified

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

Pantry

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free variations.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: 29 g