Shrimp in cream sauce with pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the shrimp and pasta, creating a deliciously indulgent meal. Here’s a simple yet delectable recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp and Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cream has thickened slightly.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil or thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta and sauce, heating through for 1-2 minutes.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
- Enjoy your shrimp in cream sauce with pasta!
Tips:
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to use any pasta you prefer, but thicker pastas like fettuccine or linguine hold up well with creamy sauces.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or sauté some mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor.
- Substitutes: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful shrimp pasta!
