This Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta is a bright, refreshing, and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil in a velvety Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and zesty flavors. The lemon adds a fresh, tangy note that lightens up the richness of the sauce, while basil brings a fragrant, herby touch. It’s an easy one-pan meal with simple ingredients, yet it feels like something you’d order in a fine restaurant. Plus, it’s versatile — you can swap shrimp for chicken or even make it vegetarian with extra veggies like spinach or asparagus.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheese blend (divided)
• ½ cup milk
• Freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt, to taste
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 teaspoons)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 8 ounces shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed (cooked or raw – see directions)
• 9 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente

Directions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux.
4. Gradually add the chicken stock while continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly and comes to a low boil.
5. Turn off the heat and whisk in a little more than half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
6. Stir in the milk, season with salt and pepper, and whisk until creamy.
7. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
8. If using raw shrimp, cook them in the skillet first until pink, then remove and proceed with the sauce before adding them back in. If using cooked shrimp, simply stir them into the sauce at this stage.
9. Add the basil and parsley, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
10. Serve hot, topped with the remaining shredded cheese.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Chicken version: Replace shrimp with grilled or sautéed chicken breast strips.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the shrimp and add sautéed spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute rice flour for regular flour in the sauce.
• Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
• Citrus twist: Add orange zest with lemon for a softer citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creaminess. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when ready to serve. Reheat the sauce gently and combine before serving.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is ideal, but linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta also work beautifully.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking. You can use pre-cooked or raw shrimp following the directions above.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes or add a little more cheese or flour to increase the thickness.

5. What if the sauce gets too thick?

Add a bit of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

6. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, though fresh basil adds a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, add about 1 teaspoon.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

9. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely — vegetable broth works perfectly for a lighter or vegetarian version.

10. How can I make it more lemony?

Increase the lemon juice or add an extra teaspoon of zest for a bolder citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal that transforms simple pantry ingredients into something special. With its creamy texture, zesty lemon notes, and tender shrimp, this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Whether served for family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress every time.

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