Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This recipe creates a delicious and decadent pasta dish with plump shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti recommended)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup dry white wine (chardonnay recommended)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt.
4. Cook the Garlic and Shrimp: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
5. Build the Sauce: Add the white wine to the pan and deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, then whisk in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
7. Serve: Plate the creamy shrimp pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook them or they will become tough and rubbery.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more reserved pasta water. For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes.
• Add your favorite veggies: Feel free to add chopped broccoli, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pan along with the shrimp for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it a one-pan meal: After removing the cooked shrimp, add cooked chopped spinach to the pan and wilt it in the creamy sauce before adding the pasta back in.
• Substitute the wine: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.

Enjoy this delicious creamy shrimp pasta recipe!