Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring plump shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
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 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then return shrimp to skillet. Toss with drained spaghetti and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic 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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic?
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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic?
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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic 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 Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic?
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
- ★★★★★
So simple and so good! The garlic and lemon really elevated the shrimp. My husband loved it.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a winner! The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the lemon-garlic sauce was divine. Will make again.
- ★★★★☆
Simple and tasty, but I found the pasta a bit mushy. Next time I'll cook it al dente.
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