Description
Savory garlic shrimp pasta dances with rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, bringing Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen. Tender shrimp nestled among silky noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seafood:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta, then set aside.
- Season the shrimp with a vibrant blend of smoked paprika, aromatic garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high flame. Sear the shrimp quickly, approximately 1-2 minutes per side, until they transform into a delicate pink hue and become translucent. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce butter. Allow it to melt and shimmer, then add finely chopped garlic. Sauté until the kitchen fills with an enticing fragrant aroma. Pour in rich heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a silky consistency. Brighten the sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the luxurious cream sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. Tenderly reintroduce the seared shrimp, folding them into the creamy mixture.
- Artfully distribute the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and invitingly aromatic.
Notes
- Prevent rubbery shrimp by cooking just until they turn pink and opaque, avoiding overcooking which makes them tough and chewy.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce for spice enthusiasts who crave extra kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy, luxurious dish without dietary restrictions.
- Enhance protein options by substituting shrimp with chicken or tofu for versatile meal preparation that suits different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg