Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but you’ll need to adjust your timing. Since pre-cooked shrimp are already done, overcooking them can make them rubbery. Add them during the last 2–3 minutes of simmering just to heat through. The beauty of one pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta is its flexibility, and using pre-cooked shrimp is a great shortcut when you’re pressed for time.

How do I make this pasta dish less lemony?

If your one pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta feels too lemon-forward, reduce the lemon juice slightly and focus on lemon zest instead. The zest offers a fresh citrus aroma without as much acidity. You can also add a pat of butter or a splash of cream to mellow the tang and create a smoother finish.

What’s the best pasta type to use for one-pot shrimp dishes?

For one pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta , long noodles like linguine or spaghetti are ideal. They cook evenly in broth and absorb all the flavors from the shrimp, garlic, and lemon. If you want a shorter pasta, penne or fusilli can work, but be sure to adjust liquid ratios and stir more often to prevent sticking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. To make one pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta dairy-free, simply use olive oil instead of butter and skip any cheese toppings. You’ll still get plenty of richness and depth from the garlic, shrimp, and lemon combination. For extra creaminess without dairy, consider adding a spoonful of hummus or blended cashews near the end of cooking.

One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Best 30-Minute Dinner

Name: One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish; Grated parmesan (optional)

Description

This One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a light, flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon all come together in a single pan for an easy weeknight meal that looks—and tastes—gourmet.

Ingredients

8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Grated parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Simmer Pasta: In the same pot, add linguine, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the Dish: Return cooked shrimp to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes until shrimp is warmed and pasta is fully coated in sauce.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

To prevent overcooked shrimp, remove them early and only add them back during the final few minutes. For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired