Print

Fresh Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta

fresh lemon basil shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 20-minute pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon zest, and basil for a light, zesty dinner perfect for warm evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Stir in lemon zest and juice from the lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes to combine and warm through.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Toss gently, then serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Add basil off heat to preserve color and flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, lemon basil pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, light pasta dish, 20-minute meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/fresh-lemon-basil-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-zesty-dinner/