One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Pasta
A vibrant, 25-minute dinner featuring plump shrimp and pasta tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in oil. Cook for 2 minutes until pink, then add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats the strands and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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 Pasta 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 Shrimp and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
