Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest Pasta

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

A bright, simple pasta dish with plump shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a zesty lemon finish that comes together in under 25 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 580 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 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 12 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 4 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not brown.
  4. Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet along with 1 tsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Lemon Zest 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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