5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Plump shrimp sautéed in garlic and herbs, tossed with al dente pasta and a lemony broth sauce for a light, restaurant-quality dinner. This italian-american-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian-American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Add 12 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 cup chicken broth, juice from 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons). Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to heat through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 5-Minute Garlic Herb Shrimp Pasta?

Italian-American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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