Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Basil
A vibrant dish featuring plump shrimp tossed in a garlicky lemon-basil sauce with al dente pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz shrimp
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 1 tsp salt and 8 oz spaghetti, then cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon and add 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Step 4: Return drained spaghetti to the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats each strand and thickens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Basil?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Basil?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
