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Creamy Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp Recipe

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4 from 73 reviews

A vibrant and creamy lemon and broccoli pasta featuring succulent shrimp, tossed in a flavorful lemon-butter sauce with garlic and onion. This quick and easy 30-minute recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and tender veggies, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Shrimp

  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1½ tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3-4 pieces lemon zest
  • ¼ small onion, diced (about ⅔ cup)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup whole fat milk
  • 6 oz broccoli florets, chopped to roughly the same size
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until very al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt ½ tablespoon butter. Cook the shrimp in a single layer until opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the lemon zest pieces and diced onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent around the edges. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make Sauce: Pour in the whole fat milk and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
  5. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, cooked pasta, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat to high and stir constantly until the pasta absorbs most of the liquid and the broccoli turns bright green and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add more pasta water as needed to maintain a creamy sauce. Remove the lemon zest pieces and adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir well and taste, adding more lemon juice if desired. Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • The lemon zest adds brightness but should be removed before serving to avoid bitterness.
  • Cooking pasta slightly less than package instructions ensures it holds texture when finishing in the sauce.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
  • Shrimp cooking time is quick—avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/creamy-lemon-and-broccoli-pasta-with-shrimp-recipe/