Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and Asparagus
Light pasta dish with plump shrimp and crisp asparagus in a zesty lemon-pepper sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, peeled and deveined shrimp, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) and 3 cloves minced garlic to skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Add drained linguine and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to heat through, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and 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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and 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 Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and 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 Linguine with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
