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Easy One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Primavera

one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta primavera - featured image

A quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pot meal combining shrimp, pasta, and fresh vegetables with a bright lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup asparagus tips or thinly sliced asparagus
  • 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Extra lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Halve the cherry tomatoes, trim and slice asparagus, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Set everything close by for easy access.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the oil. Stir frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink edges form, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque but still tender. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  5. To the same pan, add cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, lemon zest, and uncooked pasta. Pour in 3 cups water or low-sodium broth and the juice of the lemon. Season with a pinch more salt and pepper.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan. Stir gently to combine and warm through, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Stir pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add extra water or broth if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly. Zest lemon before juicing for best flavor. Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice balance. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, lemon garlic shrimp, pasta primavera, quick dinner, healthy meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, shrimp pasta