A Weeknight Wonder – One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick, yet satisfying. I remember the first time I made this dish, I was craving something light yet flavorful, and seafood always felt like a special treat. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant garlic in this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta fills the kitchen with such a comforting aroma, making it hard to resist. It’s a recipe that easily elevates any dinner, even if you’re short on time.
Quick and Elegant
The beauty of One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly gourmet. The key is cooking everything in one pot—yes, even the pasta—which helps the flavors mingle together seamlessly. When I’m hosting friends or family, this dish is often a go-to because it requires minimal clean-up but still looks and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce, paired with tender shrimp and a squeeze of lemon, gives it that restaurant-quality feel.
Packed with Flavor
Whenever I cook One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, the vibrant flavors always surprise me. The way the shrimp soak up the garlic-infused butter and the subtle heat from the red pepper flakes gives the dish a delightful kick. Adding fresh spinach towards the end not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a lovely pop of color. And of course, the grated parmesan on top brings everything together with its rich, creamy texture.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner at home or a special date night, One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect for any occasion. It’s light, fresh, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, with just a few simple tweaks like substituting shrimp with chicken or using gluten-free pasta, you can easily cater to different preferences. This recipe is more than just a quick meal—it’s a way to bring people together over good food, made with love.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: To streamline the cooking process, have all ingredients prepped and measured before starting. Mince the garlic, peel and devein the shrimp, and have the parmesan ready to go.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Cook them until they just turn pink (about 3-4 minutes) and let the residual heat finish them off as you combine the pasta.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this dish.
- Keep an Eye on the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, especially over medium heat. Sauté until just fragrant (1-2 minutes) to avoid bitterness.
- Toss the Pasta Well: When adding the cooked pasta to the sauce, make sure to toss everything thoroughly. This allows the pasta to absorb the lemon-garlic-butter flavors, making each bite more flavorful.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a small cup of pasta water before draining. If the pasta seems too dry, adding a splash of the starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier.
- Experiment with Greens: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds great texture, but arugula or kale can offer a different flavor profile if you prefer a more peppery or robust taste.
- Customize the Heat: The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust the quantity depending on your preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Dive into this delightful One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, a 30-minute wonder that transforms everyday ingredients into a gourmet seafood dish. Perfect for dinner parties or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is both elegant and effortless. With minimal clean-up required, it’s bound to become your new favorite go-to. Channel your inner celebrity chef and impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated pasta dish!
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes567
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Pasta & Shrimp
8 oz linguine
1 1/4 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sauce Base
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), divided
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Seasonings & Greens
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- Finishing Touches
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Alternative Ingredients:
Pasta: Substitute linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine.
Butter: Use ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Shrimp: Replace with scallops or chicken breast for a different protein.
Parmesan Cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Substitute with kale or arugula.
Directions
- Cooking Pasta – In a large pot of boiling water, cook the linguine until al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
- Preparing Sauce Base – In the same pot, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Cooking Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp start to turn pink but are not fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes).
- Adding Greens & Seasonings – Stir in dried oregano and baby spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach is wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Combining Ingredients – Return the cooked linguine to the pot. Add the remaining butter, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir until everything is well combined and the butter has melted.
- Finishing Touches – Once the shrimp are fully cooked and the pasta is well mixed, add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Give it one final stir and serve hot.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- colander
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 567kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 235mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 2000IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs- One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to make and serve this dish fresh. However, you can prep ingredients like shrimp and garlic in advance. If you must reheat leftovers, do so gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
What if I don’t have linguine?
You can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a shorter pasta like penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter with ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a delicious dairy-free version.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli would complement the flavors beautifully and create a more complete meal.
