Okay, picture this: I’m Is it a busy weeknight, you’re craving something utterly delicious but you absolutely don’t have any. The energy for a complicated recipe. What is this creamy dreamy dessert?shrimp pastaWhat is your answer? Is it easier to throw together than ordering takeout? What is the adult version of mac and cheese? What’s better, plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a garlic-infused Cream Sauce? My kids go bonkers for this, and honestly, so do I!
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What is shrimp pasta?
Shrimp pasta, at its heart, is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create. Something truly special. What is essentially pasta (duh! ), tossed with perfectly cooked shrimp and enveloped in a creamy sauce. The magic is in the details. What is the key to using good quality shrimp, not overcooking the pasta (al dente is a good way to go! ), and building layers of flavor in the sauce. I love adding a touch of White Wine for acidity, and some red pepper flakes for sweetness. What are some good ways to use fresh parsley in a salad? Is it adaptable? Think of it as a blank canvas – you can add veggies like spinach or asparagus, swap out the pasta, etc. What are the different types of seafood?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?shrimp pastaWhat makes this dish so good: garlic, wine, cream… All the ingredients melt together in perfect harmony. And the shrimp? If you cook it right (and I’ll show you how), it’s so tender and juicy. What are some of the best recipes for busy nights? It literally takes less than 30 minutes to make, start to finish. Why is it cheaper to wait for a pizza delivery? Can you make a good meal with shrimp? A pound of shrimp will easily feed a family of four. And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Can you serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as leftovers? Is this fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough to make for an easy weeknight meal? What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever made? Isn’t Chicken Pot Pie as good as lasagna?
How do you make shrimp pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you make Shrimp Pasta? How do I work efficiently? First, you’ll cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll sauté the shrimp with garlic and red pepper flakes. If you have a pan of white wine, deglaze it and add cream. What are some good ways to toss fresh parsley together and serve immediately. What is the best thing about this whole process?
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer wild-caught if you can find it!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like it spicy!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the cream is richer)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grized is best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. I always do this – the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do I burn garlic?
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they’ll be rubbery! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. I usually take them out when they still have a little wiggle. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the white wine to the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds tons of flavor to the sauce! Let the wine reduce slightly, for about 2 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the butter, it helps make the sauce shiny and rich!
Step 5: Combine
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. What’s the best way to use starchy water in this recipe?
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. Is Parmesan cheese a bad idea? I love to serve this with a side of Garlic Bread or salad.
What should I serve it with?
This creamy shrimp pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, try serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will help to cut through the richness of the sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving it with garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I sometimes serve it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a little extra green. And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine (like the one you used in the sauce!) is the perfect accompaniment.
For a dinner party:Start with arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and then the shrimp pasta. Serve with crusty baguette and a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. What is a light dessert?
What is a good weeknight meal?Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green salad. I have frozen garlic bread on standby for nights like these!
For a Romantic Dinner:Light some candles, put on some music, and serve the shrimp pasta with a glass of Prosecco. What’s a good dessert to serve with your salad and chocolate cake?
How do I make shrimp Pasta?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect.shrimp pasta every time. First, don’t overcook the shrimp! This is the biggest mistake people make. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and it can easily become rubbery if it’s overcooked. Cook it just until it’s pink and opaque. Second, use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish. Fresh shrimp, good quality Parmesan cheese, and a decent white wine will make a big difference. Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a handful of spinach for added nutrients. I also really prefer using fresh garlic. I once tried using the pre-minced stuff from the jar and it just didn’t taste the same. So that’s a lesson I learned the hard way!
Shrimp Prep: Buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined to save time. If you’re buying frozen shrimp, thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to help it brown.
Sauce Consistency:If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thick, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
Spice Level:How much red pepper flakes should I use? If you don’t like spices, omit them altogether. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Pasta Choice: Use any type of pasta you like. Linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine are all good choices. I also really like using penne or rotini, as the sauce gets into the nooks and crannies.
Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, the wine does add a nice acidity and flavor to the sauce.
Cream Substitute: If you don’t want to use heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk. However, the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover shrimp pasta (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to keep it from drying out. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, or it will become rubbery. I usually add a splash of cream when reheating to restore some moisture. I would not recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.
Room Temperature: Do not leave the shrimp pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I like to use glass containers, as they don’t absorb odors.
Reheating: Microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this creamy dreamy shrimp pasta a try! It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough for a special occasion. The flavors are just incredible, and the creamy sauce is so comforting. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And if you make this dish, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Shrimp pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp
- 8 ounces Pasta
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 0.5 cup White wine
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in white wine and heavy cream. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
