Zesty Lemon Pepper Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta Recipe For Dinner

A zesty lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure right in your kitchen.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this quick and vibrant dish bursting with fresh flavors.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside crisp broccoli florets, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Delicate pasta strands intertwine with spicy pepper and bright citrus notes, making each bite a celebration.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes.

Dive into a plate that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta That Delights

• Savor Quick Deliciousness: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in minimal preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Master Simple Cooking: Novice cooks can confidently tackle this dish with basic kitchen skills, enjoying a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from broccoli, this pasta provides a balanced, wholesome dinner that satisfies and nourishes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow personal tweaks like adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that adds a succulent texture to the meal.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides crunch and nutritional value.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus ingredients that add tangy freshness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, savory undertone to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy component that brings a gentle heat to the pasta.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil that helps sauté vegetables and shrimp with a rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that adds a creamy, umami finish to the pasta.

How to Cook Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook until it turns vibrant green and becomes crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and sauté until its aroma fills the kitchen. Carefully add shrimp and cook until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become fully opaque.

Step 4: Zest Up the Dish

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the ingredients to distribute the bright, tangy flavors throughout the skillet.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta to the shrimp and broccoli mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Generously shower grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy, rich finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Flavorful Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

• Select firm, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your pasta dish.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Drain pasta quickly and rinse with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy or sticking together.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the seafood and vegetables.
• Add red pepper flakes gradually to control the heat level and suit your spice preference.

Flavorful Variations on Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and plant-based protein boost.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to create a Greek-style Mediterranean twist on the original recipe.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Replace lemon pepper seasoning with Cajun spice blend, adding andouille sausage for a bold, spicy New Orleans-style interpretation of the dish.

Pairings That Complement Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Well

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the zesty lemon and delicate shrimp, cutting through the dish's richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley to enhance the pasta's flavor profile, adding a vibrant green color and aromatic freshness that elevates the entire meal.
• Serve a rustic sourdough or ciabatta slice to soak up the lemony sauce, providing a satisfying textural contrast and additional carbohydrate element to the light seafood pasta.

How to Store Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping pasta and shrimp fresh in the coolest part of the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks; avoid freezing to maintain best texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm gently in skillet with splash of olive oil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and restore moisture, heating until shrimp reaches safe temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version.

• What type of pasta works best?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great choices, but any long pasta will work well with this recipe.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables, and control the amount of olive oil and cheese for a nutritious meal.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli pasta delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one satisfying dish. Crisp broccoli and succulent shrimp combine with pasta, creating a light yet hearty meal you will crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound large shrimp (deveined)
• 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, swirling to coat the surface.
3. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and maintaining a crisp texture.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
5. Add raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform from translucent to a bright pink color.
6. Zest fresh lemon directly into the pan, followed by its tangy juice, creating a bright citrus essence.
7. Scatter red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper across the shrimp and vegetables.
8. Gently fold the reserved pasta into the shrimp mixture, ensuring each strand gets thoroughly coated with the savory seasonings.
9. Transfer to serving plates and crown with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Prep broccoli in advance by cutting into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent shrimp from overcooking by watching for color change and using high heat briefly to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.
• Enhance flavor by toasting garlic briefly before adding other ingredients, releasing deeper, nutty undertones without burning.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the recipe’s vibrant lemon-pepper profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg