Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
A quick and delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp enveloped in a rich cream sauce with zesty lemon, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 0.75 package 0.75 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 pound 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh is preferred.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 0.25 cup 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 5 large leaves 5 large basil leaves, chopped Fresh basil is ideal.
- 1 pinch 1 pinch red pepper flakes Adjust according to taste.
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, lightly salt it, and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Once oil is hot, add shrimp and cook one side for 30 seconds until starting to turn pink, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Create the Sauce
- Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice to the skillet and simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
Finish the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked shrimp back, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Combine with Pasta
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving some cooking water. Transfer drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. Use reserved water to thin sauce if necessary.
Season and Serve
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon zest and fresh basil.
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Notes
For best results, use fresh shrimp and monitor cooking times to avoid rubbery texture. Consider a side of green salad for balance.