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
Scale
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.
