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Deliciously Simple Italian Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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A flavorful and easy-to-make Italian shrimp pasta packed with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and succulent shrimp – perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz whole-grain spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Thaw the shrimp if frozen, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet, add lemon zest and juice, and stir to combine.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately, garnishing with optional Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, or greens.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness. Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the noodles perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, pasta, Italian, quick dinner, healthy seafood

Find it online: https://www.eatbrightly.com/italian-shrimp-pasta-recipe/