Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let's dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to make this dish a hit every time.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional, substitute with more broth if preferred)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Pour in the heavy cream, broth, and white wine (if using) into the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed. Return the shrimp to the skillet, combining everything gently.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips and Variations
For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. To make this dish spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Simply cook them briefly in the skillet before adding the shrimp.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. To make this dish vegetarian, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy!
