Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

$To make creamy garlic shrimp pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing) - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients blend together to create a rich and satisfying dish. The shrimp adds a sweet flavor, while garlic provides a warm, aromatic touch. Heavy cream and Parmesan bring a velvety texture to the sauce. You can adjust the red pepper flakes for your spice level. Want more heat? Add more! The lemon zest brightens the dish, making every bite fresh and exciting. When shopping, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. This choice makes a big difference in taste. For pasta, both fettuccine and spaghetti work well, so pick your favorite. Now that you have the ingredients, you are ready to create a meal that impresses. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Al dente means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. If you like some heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Now, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If it's too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy sauce to coat well. Add the cooked pasta along with the zest of 1 lemon. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, it’s time to serve! Divide the creamy garlic shrimp pasta into bowls. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal! To achieve that perfect al dente texture, boil salted water. Add your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Al dente means the pasta should be firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite to it. Remember to save half a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. To avoid overcooking shrimp, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them right away. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Look for that lovely pink color. When they are opaque, they are done. If you overcook them, they become tough. Always remove them from the heat as soon as they change color. You can adjust the creaminess of the sauce easily. Start by adding the heavy cream slowly. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water. For more flavor, add extra garlic or even some lemon juice. If you like spice, toss in more red pepper flakes. Taste as you go! This dish is all about finding your perfect balance. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish more colorful and healthy by adding vegetables. Here are some great options: - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach near the end of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a nice touch. - Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes work well. Just halve them and add them when you sauté the shrimp. They add sweetness and color. - Asparagus: Cut asparagus into small pieces and cook them with the shrimp. They add crunch and a fresh taste. Adding these veggies enhances flavor and gives you extra nutrients in every bite. If shrimp isn't your favorite, you can use other proteins. Here are some tasty alternatives: - Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden. It works great in this creamy sauce. - Scallops: For a touch of luxury, use sea scallops. Cook them just until golden for the best flavor. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cube it and sauté until crispy. It soaks up the sauce well. These choices let you mix it up and suit your taste. While fettuccine is classic, many pasta types can shine in this dish: - Penne: This shape holds sauce well. It’s perfect for a heartier meal. - Linguine: A thinner pasta that pairs nicely with the shrimp and sauce. - Farfalle: The bowtie shape adds fun to your plate and captures sauce in its nooks. Feel free to experiment with any pasta you love. The sauce will still taste amazing! Store your creamy garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. To freeze, portion the pasta into smaller containers. This makes reheating easy. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream to bring back its creaminess. In the fridge, the creamy garlic shrimp pasta lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to two months. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells bad, it is best to throw it away. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 10 minutes until thawed. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps get a nice sear. You have some great options to replace heavy cream. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Coconut cream works well for a dairy-free choice. Another option is a mix of milk and butter. This will mimic the creaminess without the calories. If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Start with small amounts to find your perfect heat level. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store separately. Keep the sauce in the fridge as well. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove. Add pasta and shrimp to heat through. This helps keep everything fresh and tasty. This blog post guides you through making a delicious shrimp pasta dish. We discussed key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and cream. I detailed easy steps to cook pasta, sauté shrimp, and make a creamy sauce. You learned tips on perfecting the dish and tasty variations. Finally, I shared storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy the joy of creating this meal at home. It’s easy, satisfying, and so good!$

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring shrimp and garlic, perfect for a quick dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnishing Fresh parsley, chopped
zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and lemon zest, mixing everything together until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Divide the creamy garlic shrimp pasta into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, shrimp