Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This shrimp in vodka sauce recipe is your answer. It's a surprisingly easy dish to make, packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or impressing your friends, this creamy, decadent sauce coats succulent shrimp, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Let's dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry vodka
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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 Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add the Vodka: Pour in the vodka and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. This step adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp in Vodka Sauce:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp and good-quality crushed tomatoes.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more!
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens the sauce and adds a delightful citrus note.
- Creamy sun-dried tomato variation: Substitute some of the crushed tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This shrimp in vodka sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. It’s a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that you can whip up quickly for a satisfying and flavorful dinner. Enjoy!