Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

There’s something undeniably delightful about a plate of Garlic Shrimp Pasta that seems to pull everyone together. Its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and succulent shrimp make it a dish that pleases all the senses. Plus, the aroma of garlic sautéing on the stove is sure to tempt anyone’s taste buds. Did you know that shrimp pasta has roots in various cuisines worldwide, from Italian to Asian? This versatility is part of what makes it special and universally loved. The best part? It’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. If you love a good pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you! It’s as easy to make as our famous Carbonara, but with a seafood twist that you’ll absolutely adore. Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the marvelous world of Garlic Shrimp Pasta!

What is Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

So, what’s the deal with Garlic Shrimp Pasta, anyway? It might sound fancy, but it’s really just a delicious blend of pasta, shrimp, and garlic. Who can resist that mouthwatering puff of steam when you mix the cooked pasta with sautéed garlic and shrimp? You might wonder why we talk about it like it’s royalty on a plate—well, to put it simply, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This dish is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even just a little “me” time when you need comfort food. So why not give it a whirl? You might just find the love of your culinary life!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is an absolute delight, and here are three key reasons why you’ll fall in love with it: First, the main highlight of this dish is its sumptuous combination of flavors—garlic, lemon, and juicy shrimp come together to create a harmony that dances on your palate! Second, making this dish at home is a great way to save money compared to dining out or ordering takeout. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to put together an elegant meal without breaking the bank! Finally, the delectable toppings like freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley make every bite special. If you enjoy a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish, you will also adore our Creamy Pesto Pasta! So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredible recipe.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Quick Overview

Making Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a breeze! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delicious dish—prep and cooking time is about 30 minutes in total. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, you’ll find this dish satisfying, whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

• Pasta: 8 oz. of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• Shrimp: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Parsley: for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy shrimp mixture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to blend everything together. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts.

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.

What to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta With:

To elevate your meal, consider pairing Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, and a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for a perfect dinner balance. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving a simple roasted vegetable medley for added flavor and nutrition.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

To take your Garlic Shrimp Pasta to the next level, here are some practical tips:

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap shrimp for chicken or veggies for a delightful twist.
• Timing Adjustments: Make sure to not overcook the shrimp. They only need to turn pink and opaque—overcooked shrimp can become tough.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Make sure to sauté the garlic on low heat to prevent it from burning, which can ruin the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store the Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water as needed to revive its creamy texture. You can freeze this dish as well for future meals; just ensure it’s well-sealed, and consume it within three months for the best flavor.

So there you have it—a deliciously simple Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen! Get ready to impress your family, friends, or just yourself with a dish that’s utterly delightful. Happy cooking!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A delicious blend of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and succulent shrimp, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta ingredients

• 8 oz Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

Shrimp and sauce ingredients

• 1 lb Peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• to taste Salt and pepper
• for garnish Parsley

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sautéing the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Making the Sauce

1. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy shrimp mixture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to blend everything together. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive its creamy texture. You can freeze this dish for up to three months.