Lemon, Shrimp and Prosciutto Pasta for Two

This Lemon, Shrimp and Prosciutto Pasta recipe is ready in 30 minutes, and it tastes delicious, and looks beautiful! It would be perfect for a romantic dinner for two.

Simple Steps

Way back in 2018, I found the original version of this recipe on the old Cooking Light website, which no longer exists, unfortunately.

• I adjusted the original version from 4 servings, down to 2 servings.
• Also, I simplified the instructions, and grouped them into simple steps that helped me get organized

We made our revised version of the recipe, and really enjoyed it – you can see the photo below.

Since then, we’ve made this lovely pasta recipe a few times, for special occasions, and it’s always great!

Lemon, Shrimp and Prosciutto Pasta for Two

Servings: 2     Prep time: 10 minutes     Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ounces uncooked vermicelli or angel hair pasta
• 1 ounce thinly-sliced prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup multi-coloured cherry tomatoes, halved  (8-10)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 ounces peeled and deveined raw large shrimp
• 1 lemon

Preparation – Pasta

1. Cook the pasta, according to package directions, but do NOT add salt or oil to the water.
2. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid
3. Then, drain the pasta, and set it aside.

Preparation – Other Ingredients

1. Cut the tomatoes in half
2. Slice the basil, and divide it into 2 equal portions
3. Cut the lemon in half, then cut one half into wedges.
4. Squeeze the juice from the other lemon half, to use later.
5. Set out a plate with paper towels, ready to drain the prosciutto

Cooking Steps – A – Prosciutto

1. In a large skillet, on medium-high, cook the prosciutto in 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Stir frequently, until the prosciutto is crisp – about 3-4 minutes
3. Transfer the prosciutto to the plate with paper towels, to drain the fat.

Cooking Steps – B – Seasonings, Tomatoes

1. Add the garlic to the skillet, and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
2. Into to the skillet, add the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons basil, salt and red pepper
3. Cook for about 4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to release their juices.

Cooking Steps – C– Shrimp, Pasta

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are opaque.
2. Then, stir in some of the pasta cooking liquid – up to 1/2 cup – to thin the sauce to the desired consistency.
3. Stir in the lemon juice
4. Finally, stir in the pasta, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil

Serving

1. Divide the pasta mixture evenly between 2 plates
2. Top the pasta with the prosciutto and remaining 2 tablespoons basil.
3. Serve with the lemon wedges.

Lemon, Shrimp and Prosciutto Pasta for Two Photo

Here’s a photo of our pasta, with tiny multi-coloured tomatoes. It looked beautiful, and tasted great!

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