Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta combines succulent shrimp, fresh broccoli, and zesty lemon for a light yet satisfying 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Flavorings
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- Add Garlic and Cook Shrimp: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add the deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp about 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque throughout.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and broccoli mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the lemony shrimp sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; if frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free linguine.
- Adding a splash of pasta cooking water to the skillet before tossing can help create a silkier sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.
