Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas

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

Elegant pasta with saffron, fresh shrimp, and peas in a light lemony garlic sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs linguine, shrimp, peas 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup white wine and 1/4 tsp saffron threads to the skillet; simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green. Add drained linguine, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta.
  6. Step 6: Add shrimp back to skillet and toss with 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over dish and season with black pepper before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas?

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 Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas?

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 Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas 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 Saffron-Infused Pasta with Shrimp and Peas?

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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