Lemon-Herb Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Bread Crumbs

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-01 · Updated 2026-04-01

A vibrant weeknight pasta with plump shrimp, zesty lemon, and crispy garlic breadcrumbs for a restaurant-worthy meal in 25 minutes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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
• 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts 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.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest.
5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, add 3 tbsp chopped parsley, and toss to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and crispy; remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Toss drained spaghetti into the shrimp sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to create a glossy coating. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
8. Step 8: Divide among plates, top with crispy garlic breadcrumbs, and garnish with extra parsley.