Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant dish combines tender shrimp and delicate angel hair pasta with a bright lemon-garlic sauce, all made in a single skillet. The cooking process is straightforward, starting with sautéed garlic and shallot, then shrimp is seared to perfection. The pasta simmers in broth infused with lemon zest and juice, absorbing bright, citrus flavors. Parsley and Parmesan finish the dish with fresh and savory notes. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:36:00 GMT
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta: a delicious close-up view of the finished dish with herbs. Pin
One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta: a delicious close-up view of the finished dish with herbs. | grillandbites.com

A vibrant, zesty pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon, and a garlicky sauce—all prepared in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

This dish quickly became a family favorite due to its fresh flavors and minimal cooking time

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth Zest and juice of 1 large lemon 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Dairy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat Oil and Butter:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook Aromatics:
Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add Broth and Lemon:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Pasta:
Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in parsley and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and more parsley if desired.
This One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta features perfectly cooked shrimp and bright flavors. Pin
This One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta features perfectly cooked shrimp and bright flavors. | grillandbites.com

We often enjoy this meal together on weeknights, sharing stories as the flavors linger

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing meal experience

Required Tools

Large skillet (12-inch recommended), tongs, microplane or zester, chefs knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter, Parmesan), and wheat (pasta). For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta. Always check labels for potential allergens.

Golden angel hair pasta with shrimp, bathed in lemon garlic sauce, One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp. Pin
Golden angel hair pasta with shrimp, bathed in lemon garlic sauce, One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Shrimp. | grillandbites.com

This one-skillet pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners full of bright flavors and minimal cleanup

Recipe FAQ

Can other pasta types be used instead of angel hair?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti work well as substitutes, though cooking time may need slight adjustment to ensure perfect tenderness.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding a 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the broth before simmering creates a richer, creamier sauce.

What is the best way to cook shrimp evenly in this dish?

Cook shrimp in a single layer over medium heat, sautéing 2–3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque, then remove before adding pasta.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the angel hair pasta with a gluten-free variety to accommodate dietary needs.

Which wines pair well with this dish?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair

Tender shrimp and angel hair pasta in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, cooked quickly in one skillet.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Overall duration
30 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 8 oz angel hair pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 small shallot, finely chopped
03 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
04 Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
05 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Pantry

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Heat fat medium skillet: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

Phase 02

Sauté shallot and garlic: Add finely chopped shallot; cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 04

Simmer broth and lemon: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add lemon zest and juice, then bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Phase 05

Cook pasta: Add angel hair pasta to the simmering broth. Stir occasionally, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Phase 06

Combine shrimp and finish: Return shrimp to skillet, gently toss with pasta. Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Phase 07

Serve: Transfer to plates immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet (12-inch preferred)
  • Tongs
  • Microplane or zester
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter, Parmesan), and wheat (pasta). Use gluten-free pasta for gluten intolerance.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Protein: 29 g