Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. It’s takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, cream, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s rich and indulgent.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your dietary needs or switch up the ingredients to keep things fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, with tails on or off based on preference.
- Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work beautifully, but feel free to experiment.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that robust, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor.
- Butter and Olive Oil: For sautéing and enriching the sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and parsley for garnish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, shrimp, and parmesan elevate the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Remove it as soon as it turns pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is magic for adjusting the sauce’s thickness.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with pecorino romano or gruyere for a unique twist.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Pair this dish with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce can separate upon thawing.
Reheating:
- Gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
2. What pasta works best for this recipe? Long pastas like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti hold the sauce beautifully.
3. Can I make it lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
4. What’s the best way to devein shrimp? Use a sharp paring knife or a specialized deveining tool to remove the black vein along the back of the shrimp.
5. Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and pasta in advance to save time.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta - This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. It's takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g), frozen, peeled, and deveined
- Pasta: 8 ounces (225g) linguine
- Butter: 1 ½ tablespoons, divided
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml)
- Seasoning: 1 tbsp Old Bay (optional), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Parmesan: ½ cup (40g), grated
- Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil. Cook shrimp for 1 minute, season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay or paprika. Continue cooking until pink, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream, deglaze the pan, and stir in parmesan until melted.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to loosen. Return shrimp to the skillet and heat gently.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Amount Per Serving Calories 350
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in your kitchen. It’s versatile, indulgent, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for two or entertaining a crowd, this dish guarantees smiles and second helpings.
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