Basil Shrimp Fettuccine
A vibrant and creamy shrimp fettuccine infused with fresh basil, colorful peppers, and a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. Suitable for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked fettuccine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet yellow pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can fat-free evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, sauté the chopped onion, chopped yellow and red peppers, and minced garlic in oil until tender.
- In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture to the vegetable mixture in the skillet and stir in salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Reduce heat and add the uncooked shrimp and fresh or dried basil.
- Simmer uncovered for 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta and toss to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh basil towards the end of cooking. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. For a bit of zest, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. To save time, pre-chop your vegetables and have your shrimp thawed and ready to go.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Basil Shrimp Fettuccine garnished with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it alongside a light seafood dish like Shrimp Scampi D'Amour or explore more Italian recipes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Shrimp Fettuccine contains roughly 491 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2014mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. You can quickly defrost them under cold running water or overnight in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for fettuccine?
If you don't have fettuccine, you can use other pasta types such as linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and store it separately. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve, then toss it with freshly cooked fettuccine for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).