Shrimp Pasta

Recipe Name: Shrimp Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Moderate
Intensity: Medium

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
• 4 cups water (for boiling)
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Medium skillet or sauté pan
• Large bowl (for mixing shrimp and seasonings)
• Small saucepan (optional, for reheating sauce if needed)
• Tongs or pasta spoon (for tossing pasta)
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing your shrimp. If you haven’t already done so, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings. Set the shrimp aside while you cook the pasta.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In a medium skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan that you used to cook the shrimp, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the butter melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallot becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to help loosen it up.

Add the cooked shrimp to the pasta and toss again to combine. Make sure the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the shrimp pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Optionally, you can add more grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Serve the shrimp pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: The following nutrition information is an estimate based on 4 servings. The exact values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Potassium: 430 mg
• Vitamin A: 550 IU
• Vitamin C: 10 mg
• Calcium: 210 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Tips and Variations:

• Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a small amount of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’d like a vegetarian alternative, swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free.
• Adding Veggies: You can easily add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas to the pasta. Simply sauté them with the shallot and garlic, or stir them into the creamy sauce.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs for garnishing. Fresh thyme, oregano, or chives are great additions that can bring extra flavor to the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta

This shrimp pasta recipe combines tender shrimp, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one irresistible dish. The creaminess of the sauce is balanced by the freshness of the lemon zest, making every bite feel like a taste of Italy. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic dinner for two, this shrimp pasta is sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that blends the best of savory flavors and creamy textures. It’s a meal that is both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for any occasion. By following the simple steps and tips in this recipe, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant—but with the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself