Quick & Easy

Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

Name: Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, deveined; 2 cups broccoli florets; 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

March 6, 2025

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The aroma of lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine diving into a bowl filled with succulent shrimp dancing in a zesty lemon sauce while vibrant green broccoli adds a touch of crunch. It’s not just dinner; it’s a flavor celebration that makes your taste buds do the cha-cha!

This dish isn’t merely about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating memories. Picture this: you’re hosting friends for dinner after an exhausting week. You whip up this crowd-pleaser in under 30 minutes—oh yes! The squeals of delight as they dig in will echo in your heart long after the last forkful is gone.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The flavor profile combines zesty lemon with rich shrimp for an unforgettable meal
Its bright colors make it visually striking on any dining table
Plus, you can customize it based on what veggies or proteins you have at home

I still recall the first time I served this dish; my friend couldn’t stop raving about it! The clean plates were proof enough that I had struck culinary gold.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re deveined for easy cooking.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh is best here; bright green florets add both color and nutrients.
Pasta of Choice: Use spaghetti or fettuccine; they hold the sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; don’t skimp!
Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest packs a punch; bottled juice won’t do justice.
Garlic Cloves: Mince these little gems to unleash their aromatic magic in your dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you crave a little heat; they elevate the dish!
Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning your ingredients perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add your favorite pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes usually does the trick.

Sauté the Broccoli: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and toss in fresh broccoli florets. Sauté until bright green and tender-crisp—approximately 3-4 minutes will do.

Add Garlic and Shrimp: Toss minced garlic into the skillet with broccoli. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds before adding large shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—around 3-4 minutes should suffice.

Mix in Flavorings: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan along with zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Combine with Pasta: Drain your cooked pasta, reserving some water if needed. Toss pasta into the skillet with shrimp mixture. If too dry, add reserved water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta hot, garnishing with additional lemon zest if desired. Watch as everyone devours every last bite!

This dish effortlessly combines simplicity with elegance, making you feel like a gourmet chef even on weeknights! You’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again as it never fails to impress friends or family alike!

You Must Know

This lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta not only tastes amazing but is a quick weeknight meal
The zesty flavors of lemon and pepper blend beautifully with succulent shrimp and tender broccoli, creating a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta while sautéing the shrimp and broccoli. This multitasking approach ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together, making your meal seamless.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add a splash of cream for richness. Experimenting with different vegetables can also bring new flavors to the dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked shrimp, aim for a bright pink color and firm texture
Avoid overcooking them to maintain their juiciness
Squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end to enhance the flavor profile
Keep your pasta slightly undercooked; it will finish cooking when tossed with the sauce

Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of sunny days spent by the beach, where every bite reminded me of summer fun and laughter.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly; just thaw them before cooking.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for heat.