Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta with Shrimp

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 pasta, 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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 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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