Irresistible Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Imagine a bowl of creamy shrimp pasta that warms your soul like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. The rich and velvety sauce clings to each strand of perfectly cooked pasta, while succulent shrimp dance in the mix, creating a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite pair of sweatpants. If you’re not already drooling, let’s just say the garlic and herbs create an aroma that could lure even the most stubborn dieters into the kitchen.

Now, let me take you back to a dinner party where I first served this dish. Picture it: friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air, and everyone’s eyes widening with delight as they took their first bites. The creamy shrimp pasta quickly became the star of the evening, leaving everyone asking for seconds (and thirds). It’s perfect for date night or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

I once had a friend who claimed they didn’t like seafood until I served them this creamy masterpiece. Their face transformed from skeptical to blissful in mere seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Choose your favorite type; both work wonderfully at holding onto that creamy sauce.

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp for maximum flavor; frozen works too if thawed properly.

• Heavy Cream: This is what gives our pasta its luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp here!

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth; avoid powdered garlic for authenticity.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese melts beautifully into the sauce; a must-have!

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté your shrimp and build flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish but adds color and freshness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all those flavors together perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, usually 30 seconds is all it takes! Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is sad garlic.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently so it thickens slightly—about 3-5 minutes will do wonders.

Melt in Parmesan: Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese into your creamy concoction while stirring until melted and fully incorporated. This is where magic happens!

Toss It All Together: Drain your pasta (save some water if needed) and add directly into the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together so every noodle gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Now you have a plate of creamy shrimp pasta that looks like it came straight from an Italian restaurant! Serve immediately with some extra parsley on top because we eat with our eyes too! Enjoy every mouthful—you totally deserve it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first; then, sauté the shrimp until golden and prepare your cream sauce simultaneously for a seamless dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to personalize your creamy shrimp pasta experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.

My friends rave about this creamy shrimp pasta; they always ask for seconds, and I love sharing my cooking secrets with them.

FAQ

How can I make my creamy shrimp pasta spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the shrimp for extra heat.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What should I serve with creamy shrimp pasta?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this rich dish, balancing flavors nicely.

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Creamy Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy shrimp pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining succulent shrimp and a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of perfectly cooked spaghetti or fettuccine. This dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. With flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant finish and enjoy a gourmet meal in the comfort of your home.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, sautéing until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
6. Toss the drained pasta with the shrimp and sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with a garnish of parsley.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 270mg