Lemon-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus
A bright, fast-cooking pasta dish featuring plump shrimp and tender asparagus bathed in a zesty lemon-herb sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined large shrimp, trimmed asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 2, zested and juiced lemon
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and cook for 4 minutes until crisp-tender, then return shrimp to the skillet.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss with drained spaghetti until coated, adding more pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus?
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-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus?
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-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus 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-Glazed Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus?
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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
