One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon
A vibrant pasta dish featuring plump shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a bright lemon-herb sauce that clings to every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz shrimp
- 1/2 cup asparagus
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup asparagus and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the shrimp to the skillet.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon?
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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon?
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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon 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 Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon?
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.
