Lite Shrimp And Pasta
Light and flavorful shrimp pasta with garlic, basil, and green onions, featuring a tangy lemon and soy sauce glaze that appeals to seafood lovers seeking a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. lite soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/4 c. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced green onions and tops ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 4 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. vermicelli, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce and 1 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or until shrimp turns pink; reserve liquid and keep shrimp warm.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add green onions and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Combine cornstarch and lemon juice; stir into skillet with reserved shrimp liquid and basil.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
- Add sauce, shrimp, parsley, and pepper to hot pasta; toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter flavor, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. If you don't have vermicelli, any thin pasta like angel hair works well as a substitute. To enhance the dish, add a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic and green onions. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten the dish, making it a great option for a seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the shrimp nicely. This pasta also pairs beautifully with Fried Mountain Trout for a seafood-themed dinner. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the pasta from drying out. Gently warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Shrimp And Pasta contains roughly 996 calories, with 8g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% 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, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to achieve an even texture. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for quicker thawing.
What can I substitute for basil if I don't have any?
If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with fresh oregano or even a pinch of dried Italian seasoning. While the flavor will differ slightly, these herbs will still add a nice aromatic touch to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the shrimp with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and consider adding some chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
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).