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Flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Fresh Basil Delight

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring a bright lemon garlic sauce with fresh basil, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, extra basil leaves, extra lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound (450 grams) of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely and zest 1 lemon, setting both aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if needed, cook in batches. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in juice of 1 lemon and lemon zest. Add a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for another minute.
  7. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce seems dry.
  8. Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to distribute the flavor evenly.
  9. Plate the pasta immediately, garnish with extra basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Add lemon wedges for an extra citrus punch.

Notes

If garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat to avoid bitterness. Do not overcook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles. Add fresh basil off heat to preserve flavor and color. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, fresh basil pasta, quick shrimp dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/flavorful-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-fresh-basil-delight/