Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus

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

A light and zesty pasta dish with plump shrimp and fresh asparagus, tossed in a bright lemon-pepper sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to skillet. Stir to combine. Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Add cooked asparagus and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, tossing until sauce is glossy and pasta is well coated. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with 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-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with 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-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with 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-Pepper Shrimp Pasta with 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.

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