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Flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp, bright lemon, garlicky sauce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed with linguine or spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp (medium size)
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 ½ cups (about 250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add 1 ½ cups (250g) halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they start to soften and blister.
  6. Add the lemon zest and juice from 1 large lemon. Stir to combine and let simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently with the tomato mixture. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 2 tablespoons) to loosen it up.
  8. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes to coat the pasta with the sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if preferred.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Sauté garlic gently to prevent bitterness. Cherry tomatoes should be blistered slightly for sweetness. Adjust seasoning gradually.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, cherry tomatoes, basil, quick pasta recipe, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/flavorful-lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-basil-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/