Spaghetti With Shrimp And Fresh Basil
A flavorful shrimp and basil pasta with creamy sauce, perfect for a quick, elegant meal that highlights fresh herbs, seafood, and rich creaminess.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white vermouth or wine
- 2 tablespoons roux ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package classic spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook chopped onion and finely chopped garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender.
- Cook and stir for 1 minute, then stir in dry white vermouth or wine. Cook for 8 minutes or until the mixture is reduced by one-third.
- Stir in roux and tomato paste; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the raw medium shrimp, cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Stir in whipping cream and chopped fresh basil leaves; cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the shrimp and sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic. If you don't have white vermouth, a dry white wine or chicken broth can work as substitutes. To thicken the sauce further, you can add a bit more roux or even a splash of cornstarch mixed with water. Fresh basil is essential, but you can also experiment with parsley or oregano as alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Marinated Italian Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well, enhancing the dining experience. For those who enjoy seafood, browsing more Italian recipes will yield delightful options like Linguini And Clam Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and alter the texture of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Shrimp And Fresh Basil contains roughly 1114 calories, with 27g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish. This will help maintain the sauce's consistency and flavor. Follow the same cooking time until they turn pink and opaque.
What can I substitute for the whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly. Using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk can also create a creamy texture without being overly rich.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic. Alternatively, you can add a diced jalapeño or some chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to achieve the desired level of heat.
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).