Go Back
+ servings
Pink shrimp sit on top of bucatini pasta with corn and pine nuts.

Bucatini with Shrimp and Pine Nuts in a Light Cream Sauce

LindySez
This recipe for Bucatini with Shrimp and Pine Nuts in a light cream sauce is a great quick meal that the whole family will love. It has the perfect combination of complementary flavors and textures.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Fish & Seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces bucatini linguini, or spaghetti, cooked to package directions, drained, with ½ cup cooking liquid reserved
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • Zest of one large lemon wash well before zesting
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin oil oil
  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 medium zucchini cut to be about the same size as the pine nuts (use only the outside of the zucchini, not the seedy middle)
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • ½ cup shredded fresh basil
  • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese if desired

Instructions
 

  • In a measuring cup combine the milk, corn starch, lemon zest, and some salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sear on each in the oil until just cooked through, do not overcook. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  • Turn heat to medium; add the zucchini, saute until crisp-tender, about 1 - 2 minutes. Add the corn, saute for 2 minutes more.
  • Give the milk mixture a good stir and pour it into the skillet. Stir until it has thickened then add the pasta, toss to combine. Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook until all is heated through. Add the pine nuts and basil. Toss well to combine; adding some reserved pasta water if it seems too dry. Serve in wide warmed bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

You can use linguine, fettuccini, or another wide long pasta in place of the bucatini.
Do not overcook your shrimp.
Keyword faux cream sauce, light cream sauce, low-calorie dinner, pasta, shrimp
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!