Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine them before serving for a quick meal.

What can I substitute for fresh basil?

If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, but reduce the quantity to about a teaspoon.

Healthy Italian Shrimp Pasta with Lemon & Basil Recipe

Name: Delightful Italian Shrimp Pasta: A Taste of Italy at Your Table
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces (340g) whole grain pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best); 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup spinach leaves, packed; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: 1/4 cup white wine (for deglazing the pan); Optional: 1 tablespoon capers, drained; Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Delightful Italian Shrimp Pasta: A Taste of Italy at Your Table

Print Recipe

A vibrant, wholesome Italian Shrimp Pasta packed with protein-rich shrimp, colorful vegetables, and zesty lemon – perfect for a nutritious family dinner.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces (340g) whole grain pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best)
1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach leaves, packed
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup white wine (for deglazing the pan)
Optional: 1 tablespoon capers, drained
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to combine.
Return shrimp to skillet and gently toss. Heat through for another minute.
Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, quality ingredients and avoid overcooking the shrimp. Fresh lemon juice and basil enhance flavor, and al dente pasta keeps texture perfect.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: shrimp pasta, Italian dinner, healthy pasta recipe, lemon basil shrimp, whole grain pasta

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