Imagine a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of succulent shrimp, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the silky smoothness of vermicelli pasta - all in just 25 minutes! This Shrimp Basil Pasta Vermicelli Toss is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will transport your senses straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick, impressive dinner or a passionate foodie craving restaurant-quality flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces vermicelli pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of vermicelli pasta, 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 cups of fresh basil (chopped), 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the vermicelli pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil, mixing well until the basil is wilted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta and shrimp.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors meld.
- To serve, divide the Shrimp Basil Pasta Vermicelli Toss among four plates. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Basil Pasta Vermicelli Toss while it's warm!
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be pink and just opaque to remain tender.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh basil if possible - it makes a world of difference in taste and aroma.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 456kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
