Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula
A refreshing salad featuring half-shell pasta tossed with tender shrimp, peppery arugula, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs half-shell pasta, cooked shrimp, arugula into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 12 oz half-shell pasta
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz half-shell pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked shrimp, 4 cups arugula, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until the ingredients are evenly coated and the arugula wilts slightly.
- Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and top with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with more parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula?
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 half-shell pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula?
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 Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula 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 Half-Shell Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Arugula?
Mediterranean salads 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
