Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a dream come true for seafood and pasta lovers. It's quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Fettuccine is the perfect pasta for this dish, as its flat shape holds the sauce beautifully. Shrimp brings a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Olive oil and butter provide a rich base for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce. Garlic is the star of the show, infusing the dish with its robust aroma. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a velvety sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, and a sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery if left too long on the heat.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For a more robust meal, serve alongside a warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works well.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream can be used, but the sauce will be less rich.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh really enhances the flavors.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your fettuccine according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside; you'll revisit it soon.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook them until they're pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they're cooked, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the garlic. Sauté until it's fragrant; this should take about a minute. Be cautious not to let it burn.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring as you go. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will take just a couple of minutes.

Now, stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce beautifully.

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the creamy sauce.

Finally, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and shrimp.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs or extra veggies.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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