Description: Indulge in this quick and easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes! Tender shrimp are sautéed with aromatic garlic and Cajun spices, then tossed in a luscious parmesan cream sauce that coats every strand of al dente pasta. This is a weeknight winner that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces linguine pasta, or pasta of choice
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled, and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder, Italian seasoning (or oregano), salt, pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Get Your Mise en Place Ready. Before you even think about turning on the stove, take a few minutes to gather and prep all your ingredients. This is the secret to stress-free cooking! Measure out your spices, mince the garlic, grate the parmesan, and chop the parsley. Have everything within arm’s reach. This is the culinary equivalent of stretching before a workout – it prevents mistakes and ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt the water generously – it should taste like the sea! This seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. This is crucial because the pasta will continue to cook a bit when it’s tossed in the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is liquid gold – it helps to emulsify the sauce and create a silky, creamy texture.
Step 3: Season and Sauté the Shrimp. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (or oregano), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. The olive oil helps the spices adhere to the shrimp, and the Cajun or Old Bay seasoning adds a delicious kick. Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Shrimp base. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Cook for 1 minute per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should have a slightly charred exterior. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, so be careful not to overcook them. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter is pure magic!
Step 5: Whip up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir continuously until the parmesan cheese has melted completely and the sauce has thickened slightly. The pasta water is key to achieving the perfect consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute or two longer to reduce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste.
Step 6: Toss and Serve. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand of pasta with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately. The pasta is best enjoyed while the sauce is still hot and creamy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic, Cajun spices, and parmesan cream sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Use different types of pasta, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap the shrimp for chicken or sausage.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make this dish visually appealing. It’s perfect for serving to guests or enjoying a special meal at home.
- Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender shrimp provide a comforting and indulgent experience that will leave you feeling satisfied.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad tossed with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, not rubbery.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining the pasta – it’s essential for creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Cajun seasoning to your liking.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- To make ahead, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when ready to serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 549kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 266mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the best part is that it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp? A1: Absolutely! Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this will help them brown properly in the pan.
Q2: Can I substitute another type of cheese for parmesan? A2: Yes, you can substitute other hard, salty cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. However, parmesan cheese provides a unique nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A3: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available these days.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier? A4: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this pasta? A5: Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to this pasta. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the heavy cream.
