If you’re searching for a bright, fresh, and irresistibly delicious dish, this Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. It perfectly balances tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and tangy lemon juice tossed with al dente pasta, creating a dish that feels both light and satisfying. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends or family—flavorful, colorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that each bring a unique touch to the final dish. From the vibrant broccoli adding a lovely crunch and color, to the zesty lemon juice that brightens every bite, these components work in harmony to create a pasta that’s bursting with flavor.
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the zesty lemon sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein—shrimp cook quickly and add a succulent seafood touch.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base flavor.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The bright citrus element that livens up the whole pasta experience.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the broccoli and shrimp evenly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth: Enhances the sauce with subtle savory notes without overpowering the lemon.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook until perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but tender. This texture is crucial since the pasta will continue absorbing sauce flavors later. Once ready, drain and set the pasta aside, giving you the perfect foundation for this Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Broccoli to Perfection
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the fresh broccoli florets, and sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re vibrant, bright green, and tender-crisp. This quick cooking retains broccoli’s nutrients and crispness, contributing essential texture contrast to your pasta dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Shrimp
Next, stir in the minced garlic and shrimp to the skillet. The garlic releases its fragrant aroma as the shrimp cook, turning a beautiful pink in just 3 to 5 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to avoid overcooking and ensure the shrimp remain juicy and tender, bringing a delightful seafood character to every forkful.
Step 4: Make the Zesty Sauce
Pour in the vegetable broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 2 minutes. This step melds the savory broth with bright lemon notes, creating a light yet flavorful sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta and every floret of broccoli.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with your zesty lemon sauce, shrimp, and broccoli. Toss everything well so that the pasta absorbs those fantastic flavors, ensuring each bite bursts with the freshness and satisfying textures this Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe is all about.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your creation with care. For an extra pop of color and citrus, consider garnishing with thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest. This final touch not only brightens the visual appeal but enhances the dish’s refreshing flavor profile, making it irresistible and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet impactful garnishes can elevate your pasta dish beautifully. Fresh lemon zest or thin lemon slices add a burst of aromatics and a little brightness. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the visual appeal and add subtle fresh notes that complement the existing flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light side dishes that won’t overpower its bright flavors. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes to keep the meal zesty and fresh. A slice of crusty garlic bread also works nicely to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out lemon halves for a visually stunning presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. You could also twirl individual portions onto serving spoons or nestle the pasta in shallow bowls with a shrimp on top, giving a gourmet touch that makes every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish since shrimp and broccoli can change texture when thawed. However, if needed, freeze the pasta and sauce separately without shrimp or broccoli, and add fresh shrimp and broccoli when reheating for tastier results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating which can make the shrimp rubbery and broccoli mushy. Warm just until heated through for the best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep that perfect al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the shrimp and perhaps add extra broccoli or your favorite veggies like asparagus or mushrooms. For protein, you might add toasted pine nuts or chickpeas, which pair nicely with the lemony sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t have vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, chicken broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that broth adds a nice layer of savory flavor to complement the lemon and shrimp.
How can I make the shrimp more flavorful?
Marinate the shrimp briefly (about 10 minutes) before cooking in olive oil, garlic, and a little lemon zest. This gives them an extra punch of flavor that blends seamlessly into the dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free option. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe is such a joyful celebration of fresh, bright flavors paired with satisfying textures. It’s a dish I love sharing because it’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and always a hit around the table. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again, the way I do!
Print
Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and refreshing Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with succulent shrimp, combining bright citrus flavors, tender broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta in a simple olive oil and vegetable broth sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Add Shrimp: Stir in minced garlic and shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce and mix evenly with shrimp and broccoli.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with lemon slices or lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra zing, add lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten free.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Feel free to add chili flakes for a spicy twist.
