Herb-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-27 · Updated 2026-03-27

A zesty, light pasta dish with succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs shrimp, spaghetti, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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

• 1 lb (16 oz) peeled and deveined shrimp shrimp
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 medium, zested and juiced lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are coated.
5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning, then serve immediately with grated Parmesan and additional lemon zest.