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In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy meals can often feel like an overwhelming task. Enter the Zesty One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa—a vibrant, nutritious dish that is not only bursting with flavor but also conveniently made in just one pan. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without the hassle of extensive cleanup. With its delightful combination of tender shrimp, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the palate and the nutritional needs of your family.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa

Discover a fresh and flavorful dinner with this Zesty One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this nutritious dish combines succulent shrimp, hearty quinoa, and colorful vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. With the refreshing zing of lemon and the depth of garlic, each bite is a delightful experience. Enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and bursting with taste, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for better visual appeal)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

    Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the pan and stir for 1 minute, being careful to prevent burning, as garlic can easily turn bitter.

      Add Quinoa: Stir in the rinsed quinoa, ensuring it mixes well with the onion and garlic. Toast the quinoa for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

        Broth & Flavoring: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

          Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high and wait for the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the quinoa to cook through.

            Prepare the Shrimp: While the quinoa cooks, season the shrimp with a light sprinkling of salt and pepper for flavor.

              Add Tomatoes & Shrimp: After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid and add the halved cherry tomatoes and seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.

                Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to enhance the flavor melding. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls to highlight the colorful ingredients; drizzle with extra lemon juice and a sprinkle of pepper for added flair. Enjoy your delicious meal!