Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest

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

A light, vibrant pasta dish featuring plump shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus, finished with a bright lemon zest and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 bunch trimmed asparagus and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to skillet. Add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 lemon zested and juiced, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until ingredients are coated.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce that clings to the pasta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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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