Lemon-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp Pasta
Bright, zesty pasta with plump shrimp and fresh herbs, finished with a vibrant lemon-herb sauce that clings to every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 4 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 4 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Stir 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 2 tbsp chopped parsley and 1 tbsp chopped dill, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp Pasta 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-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp 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-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp 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-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp Pasta 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-Herb Lemon-Glazed Shrimp 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.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
