A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp in a luscious creamy garlic butter sauce, elevated with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon, juiced
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. The pasta water can be added to the sauce to adjust consistency and help it cling to the noodles.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with a paper towel. This helps them to brown nicely when cooked.
Step 3: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth (or dry white wine if you prefer a richer flavor). Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Step 9: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 10: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic butter sauce is incredibly decadent and satisfying.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with different types of pasta, vegetables, or protein.
- Impressive: This dish looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, making it ideal for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Add a side salad to complete the meal.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, but still tender.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the shrimp and add vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are classic choices, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- It’s best to serve this dish immediately, as the sauce can thicken and the pasta can become soggy if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat the sauce before adding the cooked pasta and shrimp.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Yes, you can add vegetables to this recipe to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Add the vegetables to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and cook until tender-crisp.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- To make this dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
