One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

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

A vibrant weeknight dinner featuring plump shrimp and tender asparagus tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1/2 lb shrimp and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup asparagus, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet; sauté for 3 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp and tomatoes to the skillet, add drained spaghetti, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta 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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta?

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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta?

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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta?

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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