Craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and energy? This Garlic Cream Shrimp Pasta recipe is your answer! It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant pasta creation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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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 pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This is key to unlocking the delicious garlic flavor!
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Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
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Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh parsley.
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Enjoy! Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Garlic Cream Shrimp Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to make this a more complete meal.
Variations:
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty twist.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe offers a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates. Remember that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal! It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly simple to create, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. This quick dinner idea is sure to be a winner amongst your best recipes.