Lemon-Herb Lemon-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers
A bright, zesty one-pan pasta with plump shrimp, garlic, and briny capers, finished with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal in under 25 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, peeled and deveined shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 640 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
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 large, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, rinsed capers
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp rinsed capers. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped parsley until well combined and glossy.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a silky sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Lemon-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers?
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-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers?
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-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Lemon-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Capers gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
