Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Linguine in 15 Minutes
A quick, restaurant-quality pasta dish with plump shrimp, garlic, and a bright lemon-herb sauce. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces linguine, pound shrimp, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1/2 pound shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not brown.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 pound peeled shrimp to skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over shrimp.
- Step 4: Add drained linguine to skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately with extra parsley and lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Linguine in 15 Minutes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Linguine in 15 Minutes?
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 ounces linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Linguine in 15 Minutes?
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 & Linguine in 15 Minutes 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Linguine in 15 Minutes?
Italian quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many quick meals recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
