Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce tossed with al dente linguine and fresh basil leaves. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, large shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 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 8 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, tossing to coat shrimp evenly.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce until it coats the pasta.
  6. Step 6: Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra basil and parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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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