Sautéed Shrimp and Lemon Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp and bright lemon flavors envelop al dente pasta in a simple, vibrant sauce that comes together in under 25 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, olive oil 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and 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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Return the skillet to medium heat and add 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, then return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Lemon 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Lemon 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 and Lemon 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Lemon 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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