Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a dish that brings together the rich flavors of shrimp and a luscious creamy sauce, enveloping perfectly cooked pasta in a delightful embrace.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta Choose your favorite type of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- 1 pound Shrimp Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used. If using frozen, ensure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish.
- to taste Salt Use kosher or sea salt to enhance flavors.
- to taste Pepper Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice.
- for garnish Fresh Parsley Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, clean and devein the shrimp if necessary. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the cream to simmer gently for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Add Cheese and Lemon: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the lemon juice and stir to incorporate. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the sautéed shrimp. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Consider adding seasonal vegetables or experimenting with different cheeses for variations.