Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp and fresh asparagus in a vibrant lemon-herb sauce over al dente pasta, ready in 25 minutes for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Return drained linguine and cooked shrimp to the skillet; toss with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh basil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the pasta.
  6. Step 6: Cook for 1 more minute until heated through, adjusting seasoning to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus?

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 Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus?

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 Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus 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 Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus?

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.

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