Are you ready to whip up a tasty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week? This one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe is just what you need! Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also saves you from washing tons of pots and pans. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you. Let’s dive in!
What’s in This Recipe?
First off, let’s talk about what you’ll need. Here’s a quick list of ingredients:
Ingredients
- Shrimp: About 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh is great, but frozen works too—just thaw before cooking!
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or linguine work wonders).
- Garlic: 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
- Lemon: Fresh juice from 1 lemon plus some zest for extra zing.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups for cooking the pasta and adding flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for richness.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Why One-Pot Recipes Are a Game Changer
If you’re like most people, you’re always looking for ways to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. One-pot meals tick all the boxes! You get to prepare a delicious dinner, and you only have to clean one pot—what’s better than that? Plus, all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Cooking Time & Difficulty Level
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Super easy! Even a beginner can nail this dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
2. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. This step goes fast, so keep an eye on them! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.
3. Add the Broth and Pasta
In the same pot, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Now, add your pasta. Stir it up, so it doesn’t stick together. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually about 8-10 minutes. Here’s a tip: you want your pasta to be al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite to it.
4. Mix in the Lemon and Shrimp
When the pasta is just about done, squeeze lemon juice into the pot. Stir in lemon zest too for that extra citrus kick. Toss the shrimp back in along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together until the butter melts and coats the pasta nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Pasta
- Shrimp Options: Don’t hesitate to mix things up with different proteins like chicken or scallops. Just adjust the cooking times slightly.
- Pasta Type: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work too; just keep an eye on the cooking times.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat!
FAQs About One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap out the shrimp for mushrooms or a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Just sauté the veggies after the garlic and proceed with the recipe!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh parsley, about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs should do the trick. Basil or oregano would complement the dish nicely.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be tricky since shrimp doesn’t freeze and reheat perfectly. If you want to make a batch ahead, consider freezing just the components (shrimps and broth mixture) and then cooking the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat!
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple side salad or some garlic bread would pair perfectly with this dish. If you want something light, a refreshing cucumber salad could be great too!
This one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s sure to impress. Plus, since it’s a one-pot meal, cleanup is a breeze. So, grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!
