Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta: An Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen with this exquisite Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshingly elevated weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in a flash. Imagine succulent, buttery, and garlicky shrimp resting atop perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy lemon basil sauce. It’s a dish designed for both convenience and culinary delight, making it a staple for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
This Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp promises a burst of bold, zesty flavor with minimal effort. It’s truly the perfect dish to whip up when you need a filling and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant combination of fresh lemon and aromatic basil, perfectly complemented by the richness of the creamy sauce and the delicate texture of the shrimp. It’s an ideal choice for a quick family dinner or a delightful meal for two.
One of the many reasons I personally adore this easy pasta dinner is that most of the ingredients are likely already in your fridge and pantry. The components are straightforward and incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions to fit your dietary needs or preferences. For instance, if shrimp isn’t your preference, feel free to leave it out entirely for a vegetarian lemon basil pasta, or substitute it with pan-seared or grilled chicken for a different protein. You can also easily swap out traditional spaghetti for whole wheat noodles for added fiber, or use rice-based gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Craving other warm, delicious pasta dishes to broaden your culinary horizons? You might love my Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon for a hearty, comforting meal, or perhaps something equally quick and flavorful like my Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter, which offers a different take on shrimp in a speedy preparation.
Welcome to #LemonWeek 2022, a celebration of all things lemon, graciously hosted by Lynn from Fresh April Flours and Rebecca from Devour Dinner. This week’s event is proudly sponsored by Rodelle and La Tourangelle. Please note that I may have received product samples from these generous sponsors to assist in the creation of my recipes. Rest assured, all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Join me and my fellow Lemon Week bloggers as we bring you an exciting array of lemon-infused recipes, ranging from delightful appetizers and refreshing drinks to satisfying entrées and decadent desserts! Don’t forget to enter to win the fantastic prize package detailed at the bottom of this recipe post!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA?
Looking for more tasty seafood dishes to create at home that are both impressive and easy? Expand your repertoire with my Tuna Spaghetti for a budget-friendly option, or dive into the bold flavors of Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw. And, of course, for another quick shrimp-centric meal, don’t miss my Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter!
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON SHRIMP PASTA
Crafting this delightful Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta requires a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is key to achieving that perfect balance of taste and texture:
- Olive Oil and Flour: These two are fundamental for creating the roux, which forms the rich, velvety base of our creamy Parmesan sauce. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will impart a subtle fruity note, while the flour helps to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is sautéed in the olive oil before the roux is formed, infusing the entire sauce with its warm, pungent, and utterly irresistible aroma and flavor. Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic – it’s crucial for the depth of taste in this zesty pasta dish.
- Chicken Stock: This liquid gold is absorbed by the pasta as it cooks and later helps to create a savory, well-rounded sauce. It adds a layer of umami that water simply cannot replicate, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Look for low-sodium options to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Cheese: A blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses is suggested to achieve a complex, nutty, and salty flavor profile in the sauce. The combination adds incredible richness and a delightful tang. For a beautiful finish and an extra punch of flavor, top your serving with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan flakes or finely grated cheese.
- Milk: The addition of milk provides that extra creamy boost, transforming the sauce into a smooth, luxurious embrace for the pasta and shrimp. Whole milk will yield the richest result, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version.
- Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt: These essential seasonings are added to taste, allowing you to perfectly balance the flavors of the dish. Freshly cracked black pepper offers a subtle heat and aromatic quality, while sea salt enhances all the other ingredients.
- Lemon: The star of the show! You’ll use both the zest and the juice of a large lemon. The zest provides intense aromatic oils and a bright, concentrated citrus flavor without adding acidity, while the juice delivers that signature tangy punch that makes the dish truly “zesty.” Aim for organic lemons if possible, especially when zesting.
- Basil: Fresh basil is indispensable for its sweet, peppery, and aromatic notes, which define the “basil” in our Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta. If fresh basil isn’t available or to your liking, fresh dill makes a surprisingly delicious substitute, offering a slightly different but equally appealing herbal freshness.
- Italian Parsley: Fresh, bright green Italian parsley is preferred for its clean, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant color. It adds another layer of herbal complexity and visual appeal, making the dish feel even fresher.
- Shrimp: This recipe typically calls for 8 ounces of frozen cooked shrimp, which saves valuable prep time. They should be peeled, deveined, and thawed before use. If you prefer to use raw shrimp, simply sauté them in the olive oil and garlic until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet before preparing the sauce, then add them back in at the end to warm through. This ensures they don’t overcook and become rubbery. For variations, chicken can be used as a substitute, or you can omit the shrimp entirely for a vegetarian lemon basil pasta.
- Spaghetti Noodles: While spaghetti is the classic choice here, any long pasta shape like linguini or fettuccine works beautifully. It’s crucial to prepare the noodles *al dente*, meaning they should be firm to the bite. This is because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot creamy sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Remember to reserve a bit of the starchy pasta water before draining – it’s your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency!
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CREAMY LEMON BASIL SHRIMP PASTA
Get ready to create a truly impressive yet simple Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:
PREP YOUR PASTA
Begin by preparing your chosen pasta, such as spaghetti, according to the package instructions. Cook it just until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when it’s added to the warm sauce. Before draining, make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is invaluable for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
WHISK YOUR ROUX
In a large skillet, preferably a cast iron skillet for even heating, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one to two minutes, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute or two, creating a smooth, light-colored paste – this is your roux, the thickening agent for your creamy sauce.
ADD LIQUIDS AND CHEESE
Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a low boil, continuing to stir until the sauce begins to thicken to a gravy-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk in a little more than half of your shredded Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheese blend until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
SEASON AND REFINE
Return the skillet to low heat, then whisk the milk into the cheese sauce. Season generously with freshly cracked pepper and sea salt to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, remembering that the cheese will also contribute to the saltiness.
STIR IN FLAVOR & SHRIMP
Now for the signature flavors! Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and delicate lemon zest. Gently stir in the thawed shrimp. Turn the stove heat to low and continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and the shrimp are warmed through. If you used raw shrimp, ensure they are cooked until pink and opaque. If the sauce begins to get too thick for your liking, gradually thin it by adding a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
COMBINE & COAT
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped basil and Italian parsley. Their vibrant flavors and colors will brighten the dish immensely. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated in the luxurious, creamy lemon basil sauce.
SERVE HOT
Serve this glorious Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta immediately while it’s hot. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of the remaining shredded cheese and an extra sprig of fresh basil or a lemon slice for an elegant touch. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredibly savory and quick Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Pin it to your favorite pasta or weeknight dinner recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it next time you’re craving a deliciously zesty and creamy meal.
OTHER DELICIOUS SEAFOOD & PASTA RECIPES TO ENJOY
If you enjoyed this delightful Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes that celebrate seafood and pasta:
- Sesame Cilantro Shrimp (pictured above): A vibrant and aromatic shrimp dish with an Asian-inspired twist, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
- Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Ideal for grilling enthusiasts, these skewers offer a tantalizing balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Thai Shrimp & Rice Noodle Salad: A refreshing and zesty salad featuring tender shrimp and delicate rice noodles, bursting with authentic Thai flavors.
- Lemon Basil Pasta: For those who prefer a vegetarian option, this dish highlights the classic lemon and basil pairing in a simple yet elegant pasta.
For more lemon-inspired creations, check out these fantastic recipes from my fellow bloggers participating in #LemonWeek:
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Monday’s #LemonWeek Recipes
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- Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf by Fresh April Flours
- Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Feta by Palatable Pastime
- Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake No Churn Ice Cream by Blogghetti
- Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Egg Lemon Soup with Spinach by Art Of Natural Living
- Lemon Shortbread Bars by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Lemon Butter Salmon by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Lemon Curd by Devour Dinner
- Lemon Curd Cookies by Best Cookie Recipes
- Lemon Donuts by The Freshman Cook
- Lemon Fruit Dip by Simply Inspired Meals
- Lemonade Bundt Cake by The Fresh Cooky
- Lemon Ginger Chicken Thighs by A Day In The Life On The Farm
- Gluten-Free Lemon Almond Cake by The Spiffy Cookie
- Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta– by An Affair From The Heart
- Lemon Cupcakes by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- 15 Minute Lemon Pasta by Jen Around The World
- Lemon Cheesecake by Lemon Blossoms
- Lemon Smoothie by Home Cooked Harvest
- Aromatic Lemon Chicken by That Recipe
- Lemon Pound Cake by The Redhead Baker
- Lemon Muffins with Lemon Drizzle by Jonesin’ For A Taste
- Lemon Garlic Pasta by Magical Ingredients
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Let’s get cooking and mix up this incredibly creamy lemon pasta dish!
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Print Recipe
Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup Parmesan/Romano/Asiago Cheese shredded and divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- freshly cracked pepper and sea salt to taste
- zest of one large lemon about 2-3 teaspoons
- juice of one large lemon about 2-3 Tablespoons
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 Tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped
- 8 ounces frozen shrimp peeled, deveined (cooked or uncooked *see notes) thawed
- 9 ounce package of spaghetti prepared al dente
Instructions
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Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain, preserve, a bit of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil, and minced garlic for a couple of minutes.
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Make your roux by whisking in the flour until smooth paste forms.
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Add in the chicken stock and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly while the mixture thickens.
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Turn the heat off and whisk in a little more than half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
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Whisk milk into the cheese sauce and salt and pepper to your liking.
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Whisk in lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir in shrimp and turn the stove on low. Heat until sauce and shrimp are hot. If the sauce begins to get too thick, thin by adding a bit of the pasta water to get to your desired thickness.
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Stir in fresh basil and Italian parsley. Add in cooked pasta and stir to coat in sauce.
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Serve hot, topped with more cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #LemonWeek Giveaway!
Prize #1: Rodelle Prize Pack
Rodelle Prize Pack includes:
2 count Gourmet Madagascar Vanilla Beans
2oz Almond Extract
4oz Natural Baker’s Extract
4oz Vanilla Paste
8oz Gourmet Vanilla Extract
25oz Organic Baking Cocoa
Prize #2: La Tourangelle Prize Pack
La Tourangelle Prize Pack includes:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Roasted Walnut Oil
Regenerative Sunflower Oil
4oz Vanilla Paste
Fleur de Sel Almond Butter
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