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To make Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta, gather these key items: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients create a bright and tasty dish. The lemon and basil add freshness. The shrimp brings protein, making it a full meal. You might already have some of these items at home. Check your pantry for: - Olive oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. - Salt and pepper: These are key for seasoning your dish. - Pasta: Choose spaghetti or linguine for the best texture. Having these on hand makes cooking easier. You can whip up this dish anytime. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of this pasta. Here are some you should get: - Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best flavor. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that blends well with other flavors. - Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a sweet, aromatic flavor. - Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness and color. Using fresh ingredients makes this dish shine. You’ll notice a big difference in taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. It should not burn. Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes until they soften. Then, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, mixing well. If the mixture seems dry, pour in some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Next, toss in the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix everything until well combined. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, serve the pasta on plates and top with a drizzle of olive oil and some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh, peeled shrimp. Heat olive oil in a skillet. When the oil is hot, add minced garlic first. This gives great flavor. Then, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. If you see them curl tightly, that's a sign to take them off the heat. Fresh basil adds a bright taste to your dish. To use fresh basil, wash the leaves well. Then, dry them gently. Chop the leaves just before adding them to the pasta. This keeps their flavor strong. If you can, use whole leaves for garnish. It looks pretty and adds a nice touch. You can also try tearing the leaves instead of cutting them. This releases more oils and makes the flavor pop. Lemon gives a fresh and zesty flavor. Use both the zest and juice for the best taste. Zesting the lemon first gets those oils out. This step adds depth to the dish. Squeeze the lemon juice into the shrimp mixture. If you want more zing, add a little more juice. Just be careful not to add too much. You can always taste and adjust as you go. Lemon also brightens up the colors in the dish, making it look more appealing. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor in your pasta dish. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to avoid overcooking and ensure tenderness. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency and adds flavor. Parmesan for Garnish: Add grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for a creamy finish that complements the lemon and basil. {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as shrimp. You can also use firm fish like salmon. It adds a nice flavor. For a fun twist, try scallops. They cook quickly and taste great with lemon. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the shrimp. Instead, use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. Roasted bell peppers add a sweet flavor. Spinach is a great addition for color and health. Just toss it in at the end until it wilts. Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you love herbs, add parsley or thyme for extra freshness. A splash of white wine can enhance the lemon taste. After you finish your meal, let the pasta cool. Place the leftover Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid any odors from mixing. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the pasta. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Keep in mind that the shrimp may change texture when thawed. To reheat, take the pasta out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir often to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or put them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. This saves time and still gives you tasty shrimp. If you want to swap out the pasta, try using zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. Rice noodles also work well if you prefer something gluten-free. These options keep the dish light and tasty while still satisfying. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti or linguine. There are many types available, like rice or chickpea pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results. Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta is easy and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them. We covered tips for cooking shrimp just right and how to use fresh flavors. Remember, you can switch proteins or try new flavors. Store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these steps and tips, you can create a tasty meal any time. Cook with confidence and share your delicious results!

Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta

A light and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
  • Toss in the cooked pasta and chopped basil, mixing everything together well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the amount of pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
Keyword basil, lemon, pasta, shrimp