Go Back
lemon basil shrimp ditalini skillet recipe

Lemon Basil Shrimp Ditalini Skillet

Owen ParkerOwen Parker
This Lemon Basil Shrimp Ditalini Skillet is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Experience the refreshing taste of lemon, the aromatic touch of basil, and the savory delight of shrimp all combined with ditalini pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 pot for pasta
  • 1 Colander

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz ditalini pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
  • Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  • Stir in torn basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Divide the pasta among serving plates, ensuring each has an equal amount of shrimp. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

Storage

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if preferred. Try whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
How to Serve: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare all ingredients in advance and cook just before serving for maximum freshness.
Keyword lemon basil shrimp, shrimp ditalini, skillet shrimp pasta