Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

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

A classic Italian pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with succulent lemon-garlic shrimp, finished with chili flakes and parsley for a bright, savory meal. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, peeled and deveined large shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing gently for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with shrimp and garlic oil. Toss well, adding 2 tbsp lemon juice and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce until it coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

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 with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

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 with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

Italian seafood 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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