Lemon Shrimp with Pasta and Basil
Infuse your dinner table with vibrant Mediterranean flavors by preparing this Lemon Shrimp with Pasta and Basil! This quick and easy recipe balances tender, al dente spaghetti or linguine with juicy, garlic-sautéed shrimp, all coated in a luscious lemon-basil sauce that’s brightened with a touch of fresh red pepper flakes. With just a few pantry staples like extra-virgin olive oil, unsalted butter, and chicken broth, this dish is elevated by the delightful aroma of fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this one-pan meal is ready in just 30 minutes and can be garnished with grated parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch. Whether you're craving a light, citrusy pasta or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor and freshness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 4 quarts water
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the chopped basil, and toss to coat in the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese (if using) and additional basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy your Lemon Shrimp with Pasta and Basil!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
483 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.9 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 246 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 1156 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.6 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 40.7 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 423 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 480 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
