Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A dish where every element shines—the freshest shrimp, handmade pasta, and a sauce that coats each strand without pooling, embodying the 'best' in simplicity and flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh linguine, peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts water). Add 12 oz fresh linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and lemon zest, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained linguine, 12 oz cooked shrimp, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats every strand, adding more reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, then serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp 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 Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?

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 fresh linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?

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 Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp 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 Velvety Lemon Herb Pasta with Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?

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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