Lemon Basil Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic Sauce

Lemon Basil Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic Sauce is a beautiful, restaurant-quality meal that brings together the bright flavors of lemon, the freshness of basil, and the richness of creamy garlic sauce. The tender shrimp complement the silky fettuccine, while the citrusy tang of lemon cuts through the creaminess, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

This recipe captures the essence of Italian coastal cuisine — simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and light yet satisfying flavors. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic dates, or special occasions when you want something impressive yet easy to make.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together vibrant, fresh flavors with a creamy comfort factor. The shrimp cook up tender and juicy, the sauce is velvety smooth, and the lemon-basil combination feels refreshing and uplifting.

It’s also a recipe that looks beautiful and tastes gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. Every bite has that perfect balance of garlic richness, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil — a flavor harmony that never fails to impress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s light yet creamy, satisfying without being heavy.
• The flavors are balanced — garlic, lemon, basil, and shrimp complement each other perfectly.
• Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy nights.
• It feels like dining in a fine Italian restaurant but made right in your kitchen.
• Pairs beautifully with wine, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Cuisine

Italian

Course

Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

For the Garlic Lemon Basil Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Lemon slices

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook fettuccine until al dente.
2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil and set aside.
3. Prepare the garlic cream sauce with lemon and basil.
4. Toss pasta and shrimp into the sauce, then serve with Parmesan and herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil.
6. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
2. Toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce.
3. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with more Parmesan and basil.
• Serve warm with a lemon wedge for extra freshness.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while warm.
Pair with:

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
• A chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

This dish works perfectly for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp! They cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Use fresh lemon juice and basil for the brightest flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of cream.
• To enhance flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.

Variations

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine: Substitute linguine for fettuccine.
2. Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for freshness.
3. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning for a kick.
4. Cream-Free Version: Skip the cream and make a light olive oil–based sauce.
5. Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan; replace shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not ideal, as cream sauces can separate when thawed, but you can freeze for up to 1 month if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater for Parmesan and lemon zest

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through to avoid overcooking.

Q2: What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work great as they hold the creamy sauce well.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Q4: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free fettuccine or zucchini noodles (zoodles).

Q5: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil, but fresh gives the best flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Basil Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic Sauce is a dish that feels as elegant as it is comforting. The tender shrimp, velvety garlic sauce, and bright lemon-basil notes create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent.