Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Juicy shrimp tossed in a light vodka lemon sauce with fresh basil over al dente linguine, delivering a bright and comforting seafood pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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 520 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
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup vodka into the skillet, carefully ignite to flambé or cook off alcohol for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet along with 12 oz cooked linguine and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat pasta and shrimp with sauce.
- Step 6: Serve immediately sprinkled with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta?
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 Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta?
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 Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta 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 Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta?
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.
