Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice β Adds fresh, tangy flavor to the lemon Parmesan sauce.
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest β Brings a stronger lemon aroma and a brighter finish.
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder β Adds gentle savory depth without overpowering the shrimp pasta.
– 2 tablespoons olive oil β Helps the dressing coat the pasta and broccoli smoothly.
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise β Creates a lightly creamy texture without making the dish heavy.
– 1/4 teaspoon salt β Balances the citrus and cheese.
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper β Adds a mild kick.
– 1 crown broccoli, cut into florets β Roasts into tender, lightly crisp bites.
– 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil β Helps the broccoli roast well and adds flavor.
– 1/2 teaspoon salt β Seasons the broccoli and pasta mixture.
– 1 pound frozen large shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined β The main protein in this shrimp roasted broccoli pasta.
– 12 ounces dried farfalle pasta β Holds the sauce well and gives the dish a fun shape.
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese β Adds salty, nutty flavor and ties everything together.
Instructions
1-First Step: Get everything ready Start by preheating your oven to 425Β°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you want easier cleanup. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the farfalle pasta, and make sure your shrimp is fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before you begin cooking. If the shrimp is still icy, pat it dry once thawed so it sears and heats more evenly.
2-Second Step: Roast the broccoli Place the broccoli florets on the baking sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then toss until the pieces are lightly coated. Spread them in a single layer so they roast instead of steam. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are browned and the stems are tender.
3-Third Step: Cook the farfalle pasta While the broccoli roasts, cook 12 ounces of dried farfalle pasta in the boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Farfalle works well here because the little ridges and folds catch the creamy dressing and Parmesan. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This can help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4-Fourth Step: Cook the shrimp Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on size. Frozen shrimp that has been thawed usually cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. You do not want to overcook it, since shrimp can become rubbery fast. If you are using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time a bit.
5-Fifth Step: Mix the creamy lemon dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. The dressing should look smooth and lightly creamy. If you want a thinner texture, whisk in a spoonful of reserved pasta water until it reaches the consistency you like.
6-Sixth Step: Combine the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp Place the cooked farfalle in a large serving bowl or back in the warm pot. Add the roasted broccoli and shrimp, then pour the lemon dressing over the top. Toss gently so the pasta does not break. Sprinkle in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until everything looks evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a little pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce clings nicely.
7-Final Step: Taste, finish, and serve Taste the pasta and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve the dish warm, with extra Parmesan on top if you like. A few lemon zest shavings or chopped parsley can also make the plate look fresh and inviting. This pasta with shrimp broccoli lemon recipe is best served right away while the broccoli still has a slight roast and the shrimp is tender.
Notes
π₯¦ Roast broccoli at high heat for caramelized flavor and crisp edges.
π€ Thaw shrimp in cold water 10 min; pat dry for best sear.
π Use Meyer lemons if available for milder, sweeter citrus.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
