Shrimp, Asparagus And Basil Spaghetti Sauce
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and fresh basil in a lemon-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend meal, it combines bright citrus notes with savory seafood and herbaceous freshness for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Cover the drained spaghetti lightly with foil in an ovenproof bowl and keep warm in the oven.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, make the sauce by combining chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- In a large skillet, sauté the asparagus pieces over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir the basil lemon sauce into the skillet with shrimp and asparagus, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve the sauce mixture over the warm spaghetti and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead. To save time, pre-cut asparagus and use pre-cooked shrimp. This dish also pairs nicely with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant shrimp, asparagus, and basil spaghetti sauce with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with garlic bread or trying it alongside Italian recipes like Seafood Linguine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp, Asparagus And Basil Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1123 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% 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 can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
What can I substitute for asparagus?
You can substitute asparagus with green beans or snap peas if you prefer. Both options maintain a similar texture and add a nice crunch to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality options available made from rice, quinoa, or legumes that work well in this recipe.
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).