Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons

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

Bright, zesty shrimp pasta with garlic-toasted bread crumbs that crisps perfectly under the broiler for a restaurant-quality finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, large shrimp, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from pan.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Return shrimp to skillet with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup parsley. Toss to coat, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 1 slice baguette (1/2 inch thick) with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and toast under broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, then pulse in a food processor until fine crumb-like texture.
  5. Step 5: Toss cooked spaghetti with the shrimp sauce until evenly coated, adding more pasta water if needed. Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup garlic croutons and an extra sprinkle of parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons?

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 Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons?

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 Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons 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-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Croutons?

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.

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