Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, one-pan dish featuring plump shrimp and tender pasta bathed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, Garlic, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 1 tsp salt and 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Return the skillet to medium heat, add drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and zest/juice from 1 lemon, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and cook for 1 minute more until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Pasta?

Italian quick meals 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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