Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Lemon Zest
Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with linguine pasta, finished with fresh lemon zest and parsley for a bright seafood pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, peeled and deveined 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
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add the drained linguine, and pour in the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and shrimp.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again to combine and remove from heat.
- Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine with Lemon Zest 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 and Garlic Linguine 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 linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine 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 Garlic Linguine with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Linguine 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.
