Creamy Lemon-Basil Shrimp Pasta

Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this creamy lemon-basil shrimp dish with spaghetti pasta is ready in just about 30 minutes.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 343 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
• 5 large basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 0.75 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; add to the pan and cook 30 seconds per side. Remove to a plate.

Step 3

Add shallots to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, lemon zest, and 1/2 of the lemon juice; heat for 2 minutes. Reserve remaining lemon juice for another use.

Step 4

Add cream and bring to a simmer. Return shrimp to the skillet and cook until heated through and pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add basil.

Step 5

Drain spaghetti, reserving 1/4 to 1/2 cup pasta water.

Step 6

Add spaghetti to the skillet. Add pasta water as needed and pepper flakes; toss to coat. Season with pepper if desired.