Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof dish. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before heating your skillet. When cooking the shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear. For the sauce, keep the heat low after adding the cream to prevent it from separating. Stir constantly while adding the Parmesan to ensure it melts smoothly into the cream, creating a velvety texture. Finally, toss the pasta and shrimp in the sauce off the heat to gently warm them through without overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Serve it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are excellent choices. To complete the meal, offer crusty garlic bread for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and seafood flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta. Sear shrimp and set aside. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Create sauce with cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Combine all elements in the skillet, toss to coat, garnish, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? For a truly creamy sauce, heavy cream is best. Milk will not thicken adequately and can make the sauce thin and less rich.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery? The key is not to overcook. Shrimp cook quickly, just 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan immediately and add them back only at the end to warm through.
Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is best served immediately. The pasta can absorb the sauce upon sitting, making it dry. If you must prep, cook components separately and combine gently just before serving.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? You can substitute with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, sautéed until softened, or use 1/4 cup of tomato paste for a deeper, concentrated flavor.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream? For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but be very careful not to let it boil, as it can curdle. Full-fat coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: This is the most common error, leading to tough, rubbery texture.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Adding Parmesan to a boiling sauce can cause it to clump. Always lower the heat first.
- Underseasoning the Pasta Water: The water should taste like the sea. This is your primary chance to season the pasta itself.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always grate your own.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to make at home. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a luxurious, comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Its combination of succulent shrimp, rich garlic-parmesan cream, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!