Effortless Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Your Go-To 20-Minute Weeknight Meal
Imagine a vibrant dish where the bright zest of lemon, the comforting warmth of garlic, and the delicate sweetness of perfectly roasted shrimp come together in a symphony of flavors, all nestled over a bed of tender pasta. This isn’t just a dream – it’s your next weeknight dinner! Our roasted lemon garlic shrimp pasta recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, delivering a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something special but are short on time.
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About This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Life can be hectic, and sometimes, all you crave is a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. This Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe is precisely that – a culinary lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a homemade dish without the fuss. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when treated right, can create a deeply satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated meal.
The magic of this dish lies in its exquisite balance of flavors. The bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon cut through the richness of butter, while fragrant garlic and herbaceous thyme infuse every bite. The star of the show, the shrimp, is roasted to perfection, becoming plump, tender, and juicy, absorbing all the aromatic goodness from the pan. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved with surprisingly few ingredients – just 8 core components and a mere 20 minutes from start to finish! This makes it an ideal option for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in a flash.
Unlike recipes that require constant attention at the stovetop, our method utilizes the oven to roast the shrimp. This hands-off approach ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and develops a wonderful texture without the risk of overcooking. As the shrimp roasts, it bathes in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, lemon slices, shallots, and garlic, creating a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce directly in the baking dish. This infused sauce is then tossed with freshly cooked spaghetti, coating every strand with its rich, vibrant essence. It’s truly all the pasta sauce you’ll need.
Imagine unwinding after a long day, perhaps dining al fresco on your back patio, with a glass of crisp white wine and a plate of this delightful pasta. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant yet utterly simple to prepare. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about reclaiming your evenings and enjoying the simple pleasure of a beautifully crafted meal that everyone at the table will adore.
Looking for another light and zesty appetizer? You absolutely must try this Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp recipe for a flavorful start to any meal!
Key Ingredients for Success
Crafting this incredible lemon garlic shrimp pasta requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.
- Olive Oil: Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity and slightly peppery notes beautifully complement the other ingredients and form the base of our infused roasting oil. Using a high-quality oil really makes a difference here, contributing to the overall richness of the sauce.
- Lemon: You’ll need just one whole lemon, but don’t underestimate its power! We use its zest to infuse the oil with intense citrus aroma, half is sliced thin to roast alongside the shrimp, and the remaining half is cut into wedges for serving. This multi-faceted use ensures maximum fresh lemon flavor throughout the dish. Avoid bottled lemon juice; fresh is absolutely essential for that vibrant, zesty punch.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme is highly recommended for its delicate, earthy, and slightly floral notes that pair wonderfully with lemon and shrimp. If fresh isn’t available, dried thyme can be used, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust the quantity accordingly (check the recipe card for specific measurements).
- Butter: Butter contributes richness and creates that silky, irresistible sauce. You can use either unsalted or salted butter. If using salted butter, be mindful when adding additional salt to season the dish, as you’ll want to taste and adjust to your preference.
- Shrimp: For this recipe, I prefer using large shrimp. They offer a satisfying bite and cook up perfectly tender and juicy when roasted. Medium or extra-large shrimp also work well; just ensure you follow the weight specified in the recipe card for the correct quantity. Always ensure shrimp is shelled and deveined for ease of eating.
- Garlic: A non-negotiable for almost any savory dish, garlic is a cornerstone of this recipe. While freshly minced garlic provides the most potent flavor, I often keep a jar of minced garlic in my fridge for convenience. It saves time and prevents sticky, garlicky hands – a worthy shortcut in my book!
- Shallot: Often overlooked, the shallot is truly my secret weapon in many savory dishes, and it shines in this pasta. Its milder, sweeter flavor, a cross between onion and garlic, adds an unparalleled depth and aromatic complexity that brings all the elements of this dish together seamlessly.
- Spaghetti: The classic choice for a reason! Its long, thin strands are perfect for twirling around the succulent shrimp and soaking up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. However, feel free to use other long, thin pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even angel hair pasta if you prefer.
Essential Kitchen Tools
One of the beauties of this recipe is that it doesn’t require an arsenal of specialized kitchen gadgets. You likely already have everything you need to prepare this delightful meal.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Indispensable for all your prep work, from zesting and slicing lemons to mincing garlic and shallots. A sharp knife makes the process quick and enjoyable.
- Glass Baking Dish: A medium-sized glass baking dish (or any oven-safe dish) is crucial for roasting the shrimp and creating that incredible infused lemon garlic butter sauce. Glass helps with even heating and also allows you to see the vibrant colors of the ingredients as they roast.
- Large Pot: For cooking your spaghetti to al dente perfection. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate plenty of salted water for the pasta to swim freely.
- Colander: A simple colander is needed to drain the cooked pasta efficiently.
Here’s How to Make a Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, relying on the oven to do most of the heavy lifting. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.
Roast the Aromatics and Shrimp
Begin by preheating your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). While the oven heats, you’ll start infusing your olive oil. In a medium glass baking dish, combine the extra virgin olive oil, finely grated lemon zest, and fresh thyme leaves. Give it a good stir to ensure the flavors meld. Place this dish into the preheated oven for just 5 minutes. This quick bake allows the oil to warm up and deeply absorb the fragrant essence of the lemon and thyme, creating an aromatic base for your shrimp.
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Now, it’s time to add the stars of the show! To the warm, infused oil, add the butter (sliced or cubed for quicker melting), your prepared fresh shrimp, minced garlic, and the finely minced shallot. Toss everything together vigorously until all the shrimp and aromatics are thoroughly coated in the fragrant oil and melting butter. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper – don’t be shy, as this is where much of your flavor will come from. Return the dish to the oven and roast for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. The shrimp is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and a beautiful pink color. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
Cook the Pasta to Perfection
While your shrimp is roasting, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is crucial as it seasons the pasta from the inside out, creating a much more flavorful dish. Once boiling, add your spaghetti (or preferred pasta shape) and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente – tender with a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta type. Before draining, consider reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it can be a lifesaver if your sauce needs a little loosening later on. Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly, then immediately toss it with 4 tablespoons of butter. This step prevents the pasta from sticking together and adds another layer of rich, buttery flavor.
Combine and Serve
Once both the shrimp and pasta are ready, it’s time to bring it all together. You can either toss the roasted shrimp mixture directly with the buttered spaghetti in the baking dish or in a large serving bowl, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated with the vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, serve individual portions of spaghetti topped with a generous spoonful of the roasted shrimp mixture, allowing the luscious pan sauce to cascade over the pasta.
For an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal, be sure to have plenty of fresh lemon wedges on the table for everyone to squeeze over their individual servings. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few extra sprigs of thyme also adds a wonderful aromatic garnish. For those who enjoy a creamy, savory finish, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top is highly recommended.
Tips for a Perfect Shrimp Pasta
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can elevate your lemon garlic shrimp pasta from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
- Add Roasted Vegetables for a Complete Meal: To make this a truly one-pan, balanced meal, incorporate some quick-cooking vegetables. Asparagus spears, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms are fantastic additions. You can roast them right alongside the shrimp. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add them to the baking dish when you add the shrimp. They’ll cook perfectly in the same amount of time, absorbing all the wonderful lemon-garlic flavors.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Lemon: For true lemon lovers, extra lemon is key! Always serve additional lemon wedges on the side or directly on the plate. This allows everyone to customize the level of bright, acidic zest to their liking, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, particularly finely chopped parsley or additional thyme, before serving can dramatically enhance the aroma and visual appeal. The vibrant green not only looks beautiful against the pink shrimp and golden pasta but also adds a layer of fresh, peppery flavor. Keep a small bowl of fresh herbs on the table for individual garnishing.
- Elevate with Roasted Garlic: Want to take that rich lemon butter sauce to an even higher level? Instead of minced raw garlic, try using roasted garlic. Roasting whole garlic cloves until soft and caramelized mellows their sharp bite and brings out a sweeter, deeper, and more complex flavor that will make your sauce sing. Just smash the roasted cloves and add them to the baking dish with the shrimp.
- Pat Your Shrimp Dry: This might seem minor, but patting your thawed (if frozen) or fresh shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to the baking dish is crucial. Excess moisture can steam the shrimp instead of roasting it, preventing it from getting that slightly caramelized exterior and concentrated flavor. Dry shrimp means better flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal roasting, ensure your shrimp is in a single layer in the baking dish without too much overlap. If the pan is too crowded, the shrimp will steam rather than roast, leading to a less desirable texture. If doubling the recipe, use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.
More delish shrimp-based recipes to try out: BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp | Honey Lime Shrimp Guacamole Tostadas | Thai Shrimp Noodle Soup | Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Bites
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Making this garlic lemon pasta dairy-free is incredibly easy since the only dairy product in the recipe is butter. You can simply substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative, which is readily available in most grocery stores. Alternatively, for a slightly different flavor profile, you could use coconut oil or a good quality olive oil for the butter components, though note this will alter the richness slightly. The lemon, garlic, and shrimp flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! It’s a convenient option that often tastes just as good as fresh, especially if you live inland. The most crucial step when using frozen shrimp for this recipe is to ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes, or transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that desirable roasted texture and preventing a watery sauce.
Is There Another Type of Pasta That I Can Use?
While spaghetti is a classic choice and excellent for twirling with the shrimp and sauce, you are certainly not limited to it. This versatile lemon garlic pasta recipe can accommodate various pasta shapes. I recommend sticking to other long, thin pasta varieties such as fettuccine, linguine, or even delicate angel hair pasta, as they all do a fantastic job of coating evenly with the light sauce. However, shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle could also work if that’s what you have on hand – just ensure they have some texture to hold onto the sauce.
Can This Recipe Be Made to Feed a Crowd?
Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and scales up with ease. You can effortlessly double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger gathering. When scaling up, the most important consideration is to ensure you use a larger baking dish, or multiple dishes, to avoid overcrowding the shrimp. Allowing the shrimp to lie in a single layer ensures even roasting and that coveted tender texture, rather than steaming. Adjust your pasta and sauce ingredients proportionally, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.
How About a Little Heat?
If you enjoy a bit of warmth and spice in your pasta, it’s very simple to add some heat to this dish. Before roasting, sprinkle a pinch (or more, to your preference!) of red pepper flakes over the shrimp along with the salt and pepper. The heat will mellow slightly during roasting but still provide a lovely kick. For those who prefer to control the spice level individually, you can also offer red pepper flakes table-side, allowing everyone to sprinkle them on top as they enjoy their meal.
Need more inspiration for easy pasta recipes? Explore my pasta recipes page for a wealth of ideas!
What to Serve with This Lemony Garlic Pasta
This Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can truly enhance the dining experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon garlic butter sauce. You won’t want any of it to go to waste!
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: While optional, a dusting of good quality Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that many people adore with pasta dishes. Have a block and a grater ready at the table for a fresh finish.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider a classic Caesar salad, a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, or a delightful Avocado Caprese Panzanella Salad for something a bit more substantial.
- Elegant Appetizer: If you’re hosting a dinner, kick things off with a flavorful yet light appetizer. A classic Caprese Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is an excellent choice that complements the Italian flavors of the main course.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
For a truly indulgent meal, consider pairing your lemony garlic pasta with the right beverage. A crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing rosé will beautifully complement the bright, zesty flavors of the dish. If cocktails are more your style, here are some fantastic options:
- Aperol Spritz: For a bubbly, slightly bitter, and wonderfully refreshing drink, an Aperol Spritz is an ideal choice. It instantly transports you to a sunny Italian piazza and perfectly matches the light, celebratory feel of this pasta.
- Margarita Mexican Mule: If you’re looking for something with a bit more zing, the zesty citrus and subtle ginger kick of a Margarita Mexican Mule offers a unique and incredibly refreshing pairing that stands up to the lemon and garlic.
- Sparkling Whiskey Sour: For those who prefer whiskey, a lighter, effervescent take on a classic is this Sparkling Whiskey Sour. Its balanced flavors provide an intriguing counterpoint to the seafood and pasta.
If you’re in the mood for another quick and tasty Italian classic, be sure to try this Pasta Napolitana. And for fellow shrimp pasta lovers, this bold and flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe offers a completely different, spicy experience!
How to Store and Reheat
This Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can certainly be stored and reheated for another delicious meal. Proper storage ensures both safety and flavor retention.
Store: Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the texture of the shrimp can start to degrade, so it’s best consumed relatively quickly.
Reheat: The simplest way to reheat is in the microwave. Place a portion of the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. To help revive the moisture and creaminess of the sauce, I highly recommend adding a small pat of butter, a splash of chicken broth, or even a teaspoon of water before reheating. Microwave on medium power in 30-60 second intervals, stirring gently between each, until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as shrimp can become tough if overcooked during reheating. For a stovetop method, you can gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter or broth, stirring frequently until heated through.
Once reheated, give it a gentle toss, perhaps add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a final garnish to bring it back to life. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Finally, if you make this Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
4
Equipment
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Covered Stockpot
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Stoneware Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon zested, then half cut into thin slices and other half into wedges for serving
- 3 tsp freshly chopped thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Spaghetti (generally one box for 4 servings)
- 7 Tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 lb fresh large shrimp shelled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 shallot minced
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta.
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In a medium-sized glass baking dish, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh thyme. Stir well and bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to infuse the oil with aromatics.
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While the oil bakes, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then toss immediately with 4 Tbsp of butter. Set aside.
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Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp butter, prepared shrimp, minced garlic, and lemon slices. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating. Season generously with salt and pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through (opaque).
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Serve the roasted shrimp mixture directly over the buttered spaghetti. Garnish with additional fresh lemon wedges and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is also a delicious addition!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 5g |
Protein: 16g |
Fat: 35g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 15g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 196mg |
Sodium: 801mg |
Potassium: 207mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 894IU |
Vitamin C: 18mg |
Calcium: 85mg |
Iron: 1mg
392kcal
Easy Dinner
Pasta