Arugula & Lemon Shrimp Pasta
A light yet complex pasta dish where arugula's natural bitterness is balanced by lemon, garlic, and plump shrimp for a vibrant main course. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs linguine, arugula, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 12 oz shrimp
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz linguine, and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes), reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups arugula to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until wilted, then stir in 1 lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
- Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the drained linguine, and toss with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the strands and thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Arugula & Lemon Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Arugula & Lemon 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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Arugula & Lemon 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 Arugula & Lemon Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Arugula & Lemon Shrimp Pasta?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
