Shrimp Pasta Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with Shrimp Pasta Delight! This dish combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti, creating a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta Delight

Spaghetti serves as the perfect base, capturing the creamy sauce in every strand. Shrimp adds protein and a delightful texture, turning the pasta into a hearty meal. Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic, bringing out its aroma and flavor. Garlic adds a deep, savory note that complements the creaminess beautifully. Heavy cream creates the rich, luscious sauce that ties everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth while thickening the sauce. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of each ingredient. Finally, a splash of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly firm to the touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Pasta Delight pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a cozy feel, you could also serve it alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I substitute the pasta?
Absolutely, fettuccine or linguine would work just as well in this recipe.

Shrimp Pasta Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside. You can toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if you'd like.

Next, grab a large skillet and heat up olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the garlic and sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you want that lovely aroma to fill your kitchen.

Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and opaque. This should take about 3-4 minutes depending on their size. Keep them moving so they cook evenly.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, the cream will start to absorb the flavors of the garlic and shrimp.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream and thicken the sauce. Be sure to keep stirring so that the cheese doesn’t clump.

Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it all together so that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.

Finish it off by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss on the fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for those busy nights.
  • Rich and creamy: The perfect blend of flavors with just the right amount of zest from lemon juice.
  • Impressive yet simple: A dish that feels fancy but doesn't require a culinary degree.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with shrimp and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat pasta in the creamy sauce.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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