Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, adorned with succulent baby shrimp and kissed by a vibrant herb sauce that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family, or simply indulge in a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen, this Linguine with Baby Shrimp recipe is your golden ticket to gastronomic bliss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- linguine
- baby shrimp
- fresh parsley
- fresh basil
- garlic
- olive oil
- white wine
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the herb sauce. Finely mince fresh parsley and basil leaves. Peel and finely chop 3-4 garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Pour 1/4 cup of white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to reduce slightly.
- Add baby shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just opaque. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drain the cooked linguine, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add linguine directly to the skillet with shrimp.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the pasta. Toss gently to combine and ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your linguine from the inside out. • Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and look slightly curled, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes. • Reserve some pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. • Use fresh herbs if possible; they'll provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives. • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing for a subtle heat. • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 130mg
