Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy cooking time? Then look no further! This shrimp and basil pasta recipe is your answer. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. This easy recipe is packed with fresh ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying meal. Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be lightly golden.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. If using white wine, add it to the skillet now and let it reduce slightly, about a minute.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a lemon wedge.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp and Basil Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil has a much brighter flavor than dried basil.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the garlic to 3-4 cloves and add the zest of one lemon for a brighter, more lemony flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This shrimp and basil pasta recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for those busy weeknights, proving that homemade cooking can be both easy and satisfying. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish – it's sure to become a new favorite among your easy recipes!