Delicious Pasta with Shrimp and Basil Recipe: A Gourmet Delight for Seafood Lovers

If you are a fan of seafood and Italian cuisine, this pasta with shrimp and basil recipe is a must-try. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively e……

If you are a fan of seafood and Italian cuisine, this pasta with shrimp and basil recipe is a must-try. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to create this gourmet dish that will impress your family and friends.

### Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need for this pasta with shrimp and basil recipe:

- 1 lb (450g) of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)

- 1 lb (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/2 cup of dry white wine

- 1/2 cup of chicken broth

- 1/2 cup of heavy cream

- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Red pepper flakes (optional)

### Cooking Instructions

#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

#### Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

#### Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly.

#### Step 5: Create the Sauce

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.

#### Step 6: Combine the Ingredients

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Add the chopped basil and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta with shrimp and basil to serving plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade pasta with shrimp and basil recipe.

### Tips for Success

- **Choosing the Pasta**: While spaghetti and linguine are popular choices, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne or fettuccine also work well with this recipe.

- **Shrimp Quality**: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

- **Wine Substitute**: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

- **Herb Variations**: While basil is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

- **Make it Spicy**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes or even some diced chili peppers to the sauce.

This pasta with shrimp and basil recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that combines the freshness of basil with the rich flavors of shrimp and creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary creation and savor every bite!