Shrimp and Pasta in a Basil Cream Sauce

Creamy, savory, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Shrimp and Pasta in a Basil Cream Sauce recipe is the ultimate comfort food for seafood and pasta lovers alike. Tender penne pasta and succulent shrimp come together in a rich, velvety sauce made with whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, and the aromatic brightness of fresh basil. A hint of garlic, a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice elevate this dish to gourmet status while keeping it simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, this elegant yet approachable recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal perfect for any occasion. Garnished with extra basil and Parmesan, it's the perfect blend of indulgence and freshness that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 3 fourth cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Pour in the whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the sauce.

Step 7

Drizzle the lemon juice over the dish and give it one final toss. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1296.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3207.6

Total Fat 156.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 1223.1mg	0%
Sodium 2936.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 257.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 0.7g
Protein 178.8g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1124.2mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 2188.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.7%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 32.6%