If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying textures, this Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shrimp kissed by bright lemon and cracked black pepper, paired with crisp broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta—all tossed in a simple, garlicky olive oil sauce. It’s a quick, vibrant meal that feels both homey and special, making dinner something to genuinely look forward to on any busy night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the overall flavor, texture, and appearance of the dish without overwhelming your taste buds.
- 1 pound large shrimp (deveined): Fresh or thawed, they’re the star protein delivering succulent, juicy bites.
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta: The perfect strands to soak up the sauce while offering a satisfying chew.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a lovely crunch and vibrant green color, making the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: This bright citrus punch lifts the flavors and keeps the shrimp feeling light and refreshing.
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses every bite with a warm, savory foundation.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that gently sautés the shrimp and broccoli to perfection.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the lemon’s tang.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): A rich, salty finish that rounds out each bite with creamy goodness.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but tender. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This base provides a comforting texture and mild flavor that balances all the vibrant ingredients coming next.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
In a large skillet heated with olive oil over medium, add the broccoli florets. Cook them just long enough—about 3 to 4 minutes—until they turn a bright green hue and stay tender-crisp. This keeps their natural snap while unlocking subtle sweetness, laying the groundwork for your dish’s color and freshness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Shrimp
Next, toss in the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, about 30 seconds. Then add the shrimp. Cook them patiently on medium heat, allowing each side to turn beautifully pink and opaque; this usually takes 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step ensures your shrimp are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Brighten with Lemon and Spice
Now comes the magic of the Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe—the lemon and seasoning. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and squeeze fresh juice right into the pan. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes here. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then stir everything together. This step ties all your ingredients into a harmonious, zesty medley.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp Mixture
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the shrimp and broccoli in the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat each strand and bite with that bright lemon pepper sauce. This is where the dish truly comes alive—each forkful offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Parmesan
Transfer your pasta to plates or a family-style bowl and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly from the heat, adding a creamy and salty finishing touch that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil leaves make beautiful, aromatic garnishes, adding a splash of green that brightens up the plate. A little extra lemon zest on top can also amplify the citrus notes wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs deliciously with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of crusty garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce. Light roasted veggies or even a chilled cucumber salad can add nice contrast in textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for guests to add extra zing. You can also plate individual portions with a shrimp perched on top for an elegant, restaurant-quality feel that doesn’t require extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp and broccoli retain their flavor well, but the pasta may soak up extra sauce, so store any additional dressing separately when possible.
Freezing
While you can freeze the pasta, it’s best to do so without the Parmesan cheese, which might alter in texture. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too but stir halfway through for even warming without drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure they sear nicely.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe is mild by default but you can add as many red pepper flakes as you like to give it a kick that suits your taste.
What type of pasta works best?
Linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully because their flat shape holds the sauce nicely, but you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti too.
Can I substitute broccoli for another vegetable?
Yes! Asparagus, snap peas, or even green beans make great alternatives that keep the dish fresh and vibrant.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based substitute to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—bright, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll see how effortlessly impressive it is, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual weekend feasts. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your new favorite pasta!
Print
Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, vibrant dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh broccoli and zesty lemon, this pasta combines bright citrus flavors with a hint of garlic and spice. Finished with Parmesan cheese, it offers a delightful balance of protein, veggies, and carbs in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood & Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Oils, Seasonings & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if desired.
- Sauté broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fresh broccoli florets and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become bright green and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and shrimp: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the deveined shrimp, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Season with lemon and spices: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes if using, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and broccoli mixture. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the lemon pepper sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and serve hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking which can make them tough.
- If preferred, substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or snap peas.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat quickly in a skillet.
