Looking for an easy Trader Joe’s dinner idea? This 5-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Lemony Shrimp and Arugula Pasta is a light, fresh and flavorful meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. It combines Trader Joe’s Organic Lemon Torchietti Pasta with tender shrimp, peppery arugula, lemon pesto and fresh lemon juice.
This simple shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, spring gathering or summer meal. With only five ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s an easy way to turn a few Trader Joe’s favorites into a restaurant-inspired pasta dish.
Lemony Shrimp & Arugula Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package Organic Lemon Torchietti Pasta
- 1 jar Lemon Pesto Sauce
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 cups arugula
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, sauté the shrimp in a large skillet until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Stir in the lemon pesto, lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta and arugula, tossing until everything is coated and the arugula is just wilted. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making Trader Joe’s Lemony Shrimp Pasta
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps loosen the pesto and creates a smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
Add the arugula at the end so it wilts slightly while maintaining its fresh, peppery flavor.
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Meal
This lemon shrimp pasta is:
- Made with only five ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Light, bright and packed with lemon flavor
- An easy weeknight dinner
- Simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough for entertaining
What Is Lemon Torchietti Pasta?
Torchietti is a short, twisted pasta shape that holds onto sauces well. Trader Joe’s Organic Lemon Torchietti Pasta has a subtle citrus flavor that pairs especially well with shrimp, pesto, arugula and fresh lemon.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, drain any excess liquid and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly instead of steaming in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Arugula?
Baby spinach is an easy substitute for arugula. It has a milder flavor but will wilt similarly when tossed with the warm pasta and lemon pesto sauce.
If you need an easy Trader Joe’s meal for dinner, save this 5-Ingredient Lemony Shrimp and Arugula Pasta. It’s a quick and delicious way to transform convenient Trader Joe’s ingredients into a fresh, satisfying meal.
