This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a seafood lover's dream, combining succulent shrimp with a rich and velvety garlic-parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta absorbs the luxurious creaminess, while the burst of fresh herbs adds a vibrant touch. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish will never disappoint.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 servings
- Serving size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) chicken broth or seafood stock
- 60 g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth (or seafood stock) and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and freshly chopped parsley. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the creamy garlic shrimp pasta into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a few basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with a wedge of lemon on the side.
Culinary Tips for Success:
- Cook shrimp carefully: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and make it stick to the pasta. Use it sparingly to adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
- Add a splash of wine: For an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the broth and cream.
- Don’t let the cream boil: Simmer the sauce gently to avoid breaking or curdling the cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- What other pasta shapes work with this dish? Fettuccine and linguine are ideal for creamy sauces, but you can also use penne, spaghetti, or pappardelle for different textures.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would make excellent additions to this pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a perfect combination of elegant seafood flavors and comforting creamy pasta. It’s quick to make but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and enjoy the rave reviews from family and friends!