Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant one-pot meal with plump shrimp, tender pasta, and fresh spring vegetables in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp salt, then cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 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 but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Push shrimp to the side, then add 8 oz asparagus and 1 medium sliced zucchini, cooking for 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup white wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half. Add drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 lemon, zested and juiced, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Toss for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted, adding more pasta water if too thick. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Pasta Primavera 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Pasta Primavera?

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 & Pasta Primavera?

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 & Pasta Primavera 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 & Pasta Primavera?

Italian one pot 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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