Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and zesty pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh basil, and a tangy lemon-herb sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs any shape pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in shrimp, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper; cook 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Add pasta, lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in basil and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep any shape pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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