Spiced with aromatic herbs and infused with bright citrus, this Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta offers a refreshingly elegant solution for any weeknight dinner. Tender, buttery, and garlicky shrimp crown this zesty pasta dish, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Discover the Zest: Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Our Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp delivers an exquisite blend of bold, zesty flavor with surprisingly minimal effort. It stands out as the ideal dish when you crave something filling, satisfying, and utterly delicious on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe masterfully combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the bright acidity of lemon and the aromatic notes of fresh basil, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the most appealing aspects of this easy pasta dinner is the accessibility of its ingredients. You likely already have most of what you need right in your refrigerator and pantry. The components are simple, yet they come together to create a complex flavor profile that feels gourmet. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for effortless substitutions and additions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success.
Customizing Your Perfect Pasta Experience
The beauty of this creamy shrimp pasta lies in its adaptability. While shrimp is the star, feel free to get creative with your protein. You can easily omit the shrimp for a delightful vegetarian lemon basil pasta, or substitute it with pan-seared or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. For those mindful of dietary needs, whole wheat or rice-based gluten-free noodles can be seamlessly incorporated without compromising the dish’s incredible taste or texture. The creamy lemon basil sauce pairs wonderfully with almost any pasta shape, so use what you love!
To boost the nutritional value and add more fresh flavors, consider incorporating additional greens. I highly recommend stirring in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking; its mild flavor wilts beautifully into the warm sauce. Alternatively, chopped fresh asparagus makes a fantastic, feel-good addition, offering a slight crunch and earthy balance. If you appreciate a tangy counterpoint to citrus and seafood, capers are an excellent choice, as demonstrated in my popular Salmon & Shrimp with Lemon Caper Sauce recipe. Their briny burst complements the lemon and shrimp perfectly.
More Delicious Pasta Dishes to Explore
If you’re in search of other warm, satisfying pasta dishes, I have plenty of delectable suggestions to expand your culinary repertoire. Try my Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon for a truly indulgent and comforting experience, or spice things up with my Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter, which offers a different take on shrimp with vibrant, Tex-Mex inspired flavors.
We’re passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients, and this particular recipe was proudly featured during #LemonWeek, an event celebrating all things lemon, hosted by Lynn from Fresh April Flours and Rebecca from Devour Dinner. This week was sponsored by wonderful brands like Rodelle and La Tourangelle, whose quality products enhance countless recipes, including this one. My participation allowed me to showcase creative ways to incorporate the refreshing essence of lemon into main dishes, appetizers, and even desserts!
What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Pairing this fresh, vibrant Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta is incredibly easy! The bright and savory notes of the main dish allow for a variety of complementary sides. As mentioned earlier, asparagus beautifully blends with the flavors of this pasta, making my Garlic Cheese Asparagus a perfect light side dish. The mild bitterness of asparagus, combined with garlic and cheese, provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta without overpowering it.
Pasta dishes, especially those with a rich sauce, always pair wonderfully with good bread – what doesn’t? My Four Cheese Roasted Garlic Bread would be an absolutely flawless companion. The shared garlic and cheese flavor profiles create a harmonious meal, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon basil sauce. For a lighter, yet equally satisfying suggestion, this bold plate would beautifully complement a fresh, crisp salad. Consider my Spinach Salad with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing, which provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta and adds essential greens to your meal.
More Tasty Seafood Dishes to Make at Home
If you’re a seafood enthusiast looking for more delightful recipes to prepare in your own kitchen, I have a few favorites to share. Dive into my comforting Tuna Spaghetti, savor the bold flavors of my Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw, or revisit the simplicity and zest of my Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter. Each offers a unique way to enjoy fresh seafood at home.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Crafting this delectable Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe requires a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the layered flavors and creamy texture of the dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil and Flour: These two form the foundation of our luxurious, creamy Parmesan sauce. The olive oil provides a rich base, while the flour helps to create a roux, thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Garlic: Minced and added early in the cooking process, garlic is indispensable for imparting a pungent, aromatic depth that serves as the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.
- Chicken Stock: This liquid gold absorbs into the pasta, infusing it with an additional layer of savory flavor. As it simmers, it thickens with the roux to create a velvety, rich sauce.
- Cheese: A blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses is suggested for a complex, nutty, and salty flavor profile that perfectly complements the lemon and basil. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan flakes for an elegant touch and extra deliciousness.
- Milk: Essential for achieving that ultra-creamy, smooth texture in the sauce, milk adds richness and body.
- Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt: These basic seasonings are added to taste, allowing you to perfectly balance the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and brightness of the lemon.
- Lemon: The star of the show! Both the zest and the juice of a large lemon are used to deliver a vibrant, bright citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and elevates the entire dish.
- Basil: Fresh basil is preferred for its sweet, peppery, and aromatic qualities. If fresh basil isn’t available or to your liking, fresh dill can be a delightful substitute, offering a slightly different but equally appealing herbal note.
- Italian Parsley: Fresh, bright green parsley adds a lovely herbal freshness and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
- Shrimp: For convenience, frozen cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, was used in this recipe. However, if you opt for raw shrimp, simply sauté them in the olive oil and garlic mixture until they turn pink before proceeding with the sauce. Remove them temporarily, prepare the sauce, then reintroduce them to warm through. Chicken is also a fantastic substitute, or you can omit protein entirely for a vegetarian delight.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguini are ideal for this dish, as they beautifully carry the creamy sauce. Prepare them al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, ensuring a perfect bite.
How to Make Homemade Lemon and Shrimp Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this exquisite Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these easy steps to bring this vibrant dish to your dinner table:
PREP Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture, as the noodles will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water – this will be your secret ingredient for adjusting sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
WHISK the Roux
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one to two minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This infuses the oil with a wonderful garlicky aroma. Next, gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a smooth, thick paste, known as a roux, forms. This will be the base for our creamy sauce.
BUILD the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a low boil, continuing to stir constantly. As it heats, the sauce will begin to thicken beautifully. Once you’ve reached your desired thickness for the stock base, remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk in a little more than half of your shredded cheese blend until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
SEASON and Perfect
Return the skillet to low heat. Whisk the milk into the cheese sauce until well combined and perfectly creamy. Season generously with freshly cracked pepper and sea salt, adjusting to your personal taste. Remember, the cheese also contributes saltiness, so taste as you go.
STIR in the Stars
With the heat still on low, whisk in the fresh lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest. Next, gently stir in the thawed shrimp. Continue to heat the mixture until the sauce and shrimp are thoroughly warm. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, gradually thin it out by adding a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the fresh basil and Italian parsley, allowing their aromas to release into the warm sauce. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
SERVE and Enjoy
Serve your exquisite Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta immediately while hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese for an added touch of decadence. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the vibrant flavors to truly shine. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this refreshingly elevated meal!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this savory and refreshing shrimp pasta recipe get lost in the sea of online content! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it the next time you’re craving a quick, gourmet weeknight meal. Sharing is caring, and your fellow foodies will thank you!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easy with a few simple tricks. Here’s how to ensure your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is absolutely perfect every time:
- **Perfectly Cooked Pasta:** Always cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Since it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce, cooking it to this stage prevents it from becoming mushy.
- **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cooks very quickly. If using raw shrimp, sauté it just until it turns pink, then remove it from the skillet while you prepare the sauce. Reintroduce it only to warm through at the very end. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough.
- **The Magic of Pasta Water:** The reserved pasta water is a game-changer! Its starchiness helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra silky and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- **Fresh Herbs are Key:** While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh basil and Italian parsley truly elevate this dish. Their vibrant flavors and aromas are unmatched and essential for that signature fresh taste.
- **Zest Before Juicing:** Always zest your lemon before you cut and juice it. It’s much easier to zest a whole, firm lemon than a halved one.
- **Taste and Adjust:** Seasoning is personal. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. You might find you want a little more tang or a touch more salt to bring out all the flavors.
- **Serve Immediately:** This pasta dish is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The sauce is at its creamiest, and the flavors are at their peak.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While this creamy shrimp pasta recipe is best served fresh, you might have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- **Storage:** Store any leftover Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- **Reheating:** To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You might find the sauce has thickened significantly. To bring it back to a creamy consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) while stirring, until it’s smooth and warm. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as it can become tough.
- **Freezing:** Freezing is generally not recommended for creamy pasta dishes, as the sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Other Delicious Recipes to Enjoy
If you’re looking to expand your recipe collection with more exciting dishes, especially those featuring delightful flavors, check out these options:
- Sesame Cilantro Shrimp (pictured above) – A quick and flavorful stir-fry style shrimp dish.
- Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Perfect for grilling season with a delicious sweet and spicy glaze.
- Thai Shrimp & Rice Noodle Salad – A refreshing and light salad bursting with Thai-inspired flavors.
- Lemon Basil Pasta – For a simpler, vegetarian version of this flavorful combination.
Are you ready to create this vibrant and savory pasta dish? Let’s mix up this creamy lemon pasta creation!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 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
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain, preserve a bit of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and minced garlic for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Make your roux by whisking in the flour until a smooth paste forms.
- Add in the chicken stock and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly while the mixture thickens.
- Turn the heat off and whisk in a little more than half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
- Whisk milk into the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- 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 reserved pasta water to get to your desired thickness.
- Stir in fresh basil and Italian parsley. Add in cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with more cheese.