Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, elegant pasta dish with plump shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon, tossed with linguine and fresh parsley. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine, peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 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, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp to skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat, add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then stir in cooked linguine and reserved pasta water. Toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Add shrimp back to skillet, toss with 3 tbsp chopped parsley, and cook for 1 minute more until heated through. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and additional black pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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 Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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 Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta 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 Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

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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