Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish with plump shrimp, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon, tossed with al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, large shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Pat 12 oz large shrimp dry with paper towels; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and toss with the spaghetti until coated; cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1 lemon) and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon 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 Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon 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 Garcia's Garlic Shrimp & Lemon 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.

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