Elevate your weeknight dinner repertoire with this vibrant Shrimp Tomato and Basil Pasta, a quick and flavor-packed recipe that's as elegant as it is easy to prepare. Perfectly cooked spaghetti is tossed in a light, garlicky tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Succulent shrimp, pan-seared until tender, add a protein boost, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish with a citrusy zing. Topped with grated parmesan cheese, this pasta is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Pair it with a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal thatβs sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low, and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the tomato mixture, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a light sauce.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and stir in the chopped basil and lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
Calories |
1961 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.6 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 981 mg | 327% | |
| Sodium | 5053 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 180.0 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 20.3 mcg | 101% | |
| Calcium | 1703 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 2454 mg | 52% | |
*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.