Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine with a luscious cream and Parmesan cheese sauce. This pasta dish is perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 400 grams peeled and deveined shrimp
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 30 ml olive oil
- 30 grams unsalted butter
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Paprika (optional, to taste)
- Fresh parsley, washed and finely chopped (for garnish)
Pasta
- 400 grams pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparing the Ingredients: Rinse fresh shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined. Peel and finely chop garlic cloves. Grate Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Wash and finely chop fresh parsley.
- Cooking the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 200 ml of pasta cooking water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Preparing the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, taking care not to burn it. Add shrimp to the pan, optionally include red pepper flakes and paprika for spice. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through without overcooking. Pour in white wine and cook for 2 minutes to reduce and evaporate alcohol. Lower heat to medium-low, add heavy cream, and stir to combine. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta with the Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce or transfer everything to the pasta pot if needed. Use tongs or utensils to thoroughly mix pasta with sauce ensuring even coating. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water in small increments until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Serving: Serve pasta in individual bowls or on a platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Offer lemon wedges for a citrusy squeeze and extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- You may substitute pasta types such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, penne, or fusilli according to preference.
- Enhance nutrition and color by adding fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or chopped asparagus.
- For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice to the sauce.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.
- Avoid boiling the cream vigorously to prevent curdling.
- White wine can be replaced with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- This dish contains allergens: shellfish, dairy, and gluten. Substitute gluten-free pasta and lactose-free or plant-based dairy alternatives if needed.
- Adjust salt levels to control sodium intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
