Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta—perfectly seasoned shrimp over a luscious parmesan-infused sauce!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
¼ cup pasta water (reserve after cooking)
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.
Toss in shrimp, season with salt & pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add butter and heavy cream. Stir well.
Add parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat.
Top with shrimp, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy!
Creamy, garlicky, and packed with bold flavors—this shrimp pasta is a must-try! Pair it with a glass of wine for the ultimate dinner experience.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dish every time. First, prep all ingredients before heating any pans. This “mise en place” is crucial. Begin boiling your heavily salted pasta water. As it heats, pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this ensures a good sear. Cook your pasta 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente. When making the sauce, keep the heat at medium-low after adding the cream to prevent it from breaking or curdling. Whisk constantly while slowly sprinkling in the grated parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Finally, combine the pasta and sauce off the direct heat before adding the shrimp back in to gently warm through.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is a classic for soaking up the extra sauce. For a vegetable, steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes pair beautifully. As suggested, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and butter flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta al dente, reserving water. Sear seasoned shrimp in garlic butter and set aside. In the same pan, make a creamy parmesan sauce using heavy cream, butter, and pasta water. Toss the pasta in the sauce, top with the cooked shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half can work but may result in a slightly thinner sauce. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut cream is a good alternative.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy? Use freshly grated parmesan from a block, not pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents). Also, add it off the direct heat and whisk continuously.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta? Absolutely. Sauté spinach at the end of making the sauce, or add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Using pre-shredded parmesan: It often doesn’t melt smoothly, leading to a clumpy or grainy sauce.
- Skipping the pasta water: The starchy water is key for helping the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta.
- Adding cheese to boiling sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to seize. Always reduce the heat before incorporating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to master at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently impressive and delicious meal. Its combination of succulent shrimp, rich sauce, and al dente pasta makes it a versatile recipe perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the process and the incredible flavors you’ve created.