One-Pot Shrimp and Garlic Pasta with Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with plump shrimp, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon, all simmered in one pot for effortless weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs Linguine, (peeled, deveined) Shrimp, (minced) Garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 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 linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, then add drained linguine and 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute until glossy and coats the pasta.
  7. Step 7: Divide among plates and garnish with extra parsley.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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-Pot Shrimp and Garlic 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 linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Shrimp and Garlic 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-Pot Shrimp and Garlic Pasta with Lemon 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-Pot Shrimp and Garlic Pasta with Lemon?

Italian 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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