One-Pan Lemon-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini

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

A vibrant weeknight dinner where plump shrimp and zucchini meld with pasta in a bright citrus sauce. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, zucchini 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 12 oz shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium sliced zucchinis to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return 12 oz shrimp to the skillet, add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 tsp lemon zest, then stir in drained 8 oz spaghetti and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes while adding reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Lemon-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini?

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-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini?

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-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini 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-Zested Shrimp Pasta with Zucchini?

Mediterranean one pot 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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