One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp
Plump shrimp and fresh herbs infuse a bright garlic-herb sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz shrimp
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until sauce thickens and coats the pasta, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 oz cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp?
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 One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp?
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 One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp 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 One-Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp?
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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
