Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles
A light and flavorful dish featuring plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and herbs, tossed with simple noodles and a hint of lemon, ready in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and golden—do not brown.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained linguine to skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1 tbsp butter until melted. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to combine. Divide into bowls, top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles?
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 Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles?
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 Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles 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 Simplified Shrimp and Garlic Noodles?
Italian seafood 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
