One-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Lemon

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

A simple, vibrant pasta dish where tender shrimp and crisp asparagus simmer in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, all in one pot. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 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 620 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup asparagus pieces and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh 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-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh 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-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh 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-Pot Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Fresh 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.

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