It was a warm summer evening when I found myself wandering through an open-air market, the scent of fresh herbs and citrus filling the air. As I strolled past stalls bursting with vibrant produce, I stumbled upon a vendor selling the most fragrant basil I had ever encountered. Inspired by the freshness of the ingredients around me, I decided to create a dish that would capture that essence. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the aromatic punch of basil, all perfectly intertwined with fettuccine and succulent shrimp. It’s a delightful dish that transports you straight to an Italian summer, no matter the season.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about a minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon and add the zest, giving everything a good stir to combine. Once the fettuccine is ready, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Transfer the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Finally, fold in the fresh basil, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze. As you take your first bite, let the bright flavors dance on your palate, and remember those summer evenings filled with laughter, good company, and the beauty of fresh ingredients. Enjoy!