Description
A quick and delicious Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta combining tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and zesty lemon flavors, all tossed in a buttery garlic sauce over linguine or spaghetti. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with a touch of Italian inspiration.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both together, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook Shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add shrimp to skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Lemon Garlic Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add drained pasta and broccoli to skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the lemon garlic butter. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce achieves a silky texture that clings to the pasta. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as an alternative for dietary preferences.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the sauce step.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to create a smooth sauce without it becoming watery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
