Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb Pasta
A vibrant, restaurant-quality pasta dish ready in 20 minutes with plump shrimp, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to coat. Add 3 tbsp reserved pasta water and toss until the sauce thickens and coats the strands, about 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp sliced basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Divide into bowls and top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Herb 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
