Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and fresh basil tossed with linguine and brightened by lemon zest for a quick and elegant seafood pasta. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated (optional) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 12 oz linguine pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add the drained linguine, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the pasta is coated in a light sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese if using. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest 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.
What goes well with Garlic-Basil Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest?
Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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