Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp, Lemon, and Garlic

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

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 recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti, 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

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.