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- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil For our creamy garlic shrimp pasta, we need a few key items. First, pick either fettuccine or spaghetti. Both work well with the rich sauce. Next, find large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves time and effort. Lastly, olive oil is essential for cooking the shrimp and garlic. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Now, let’s talk sauce. You’ll need minced garlic to add a nice kick. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy texture. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich flavor that ties everything together. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is vital for great taste. Red pepper flakes add spice, but you can adjust them to your liking. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. - Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Make sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great, but be careful not to burn it. - Now, add 1 lb of large shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside. - In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix in the garlic flavors. - Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. This will help it thicken. - Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency. - Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss them with the sauce to coat well. - Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. - Taste your dish! Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through. - Achieving the Right Consistency Start with heavy cream for a rich base. Whisk in Parmesan cheese slowly. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water little by little. This will help you get a silky texture. - Adding Flavor Variations Spice it up with lemon juice or zest. You can also try using different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a nice touch too. - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Cook shrimp in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and opaque look. This means they are cooked just right. - Avoiding Rubberiness Do not overcook the shrimp. If they cook too long, they can turn rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat once they change color. - Serving Suggestions Serve this dish in shallow bowls for a nice look. The creamy sauce will coat the pasta beautifully. - Garnishing Techniques Top your pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and a hint of heat. This makes the dish pop visually and taste-wise. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. If possible, opt for seafood from your local market. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will still provide a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Garnish with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can elevate the dish with a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Spinach or kale adds nutrition and color. Just stir them in with the shrimp. They will wilt nicely in the creamy sauce. Peas and asparagus also work well. Add them when cooking the shrimp. They cook quickly and enhance the dish's flavor and texture. If you want a change from shrimp, try chicken or scallops. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces and cook until golden. If you choose scallops, cook until they are opaque. They both give a nice twist to the dish. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. Sauté them like shrimp. They absorb the creamy sauce well and provide a hearty feel. Lemon zest or juice brightens up the dish. You can add it to the sauce for a fresh taste. Just a little will make a big difference. You can also try different cheese options. Pecorino Romano or gouda can add unique flavors. Mix and match to find your favorite taste. Refrigeration Guidelines Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the creamy garlic shrimp pasta fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Freezing Information You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. However, creamy sauces may change texture when thawed. It’s best to freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta. This way, you can reheat each part to keep it tasty. Best Methods for Reheating For reheating, the stovetop works best. Place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Avoiding Sauce Separation To avoid the sauce from separating, reheat slowly. Stir often to keep it smooth. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little more cream or pasta water. This will help bring back its creamy texture. For creamy garlic shrimp pasta, I love using fettuccine or spaghetti. Both types hold the sauce well. They have a nice texture that complements the shrimp. Fettuccine gives a wider noodle, while spaghetti offers a classic look. You can choose based on your taste or what you have. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Just swap regular pasta with gluten-free options. Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. These types mimic the texture of traditional pasta well. Make sure to check their cooking times, as they may vary. To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chili peppers. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Start with a little, then taste as you go. Adjusting spice levels lets you make it just right for you. This blog post covered the basics of making creamy garlic shrimp pasta. We talked about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips for perfecting your sauce, and fun variations. You can add vegetables or protein options to fit your taste. Make sure to store leftovers properly and reheat them without losing flavor. Remember, cooking should be fun! Try new things and enjoy your delicious meals. Your pasta dish can impress anyone and be made just the way you like. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in this creamy garlic shrimp pasta that’s sure to impress! This easy shrimp fettuccine recipe combines tender shrimp and rich, creamy sauce for a delightful meal in just 30 minutes. Follow our step-by-step shrimp pasta recipe and elevate your dinner game. Perfect for a weeknight treat! Save this creamy pasta with shrimp recipe for an unforgettable dining experience. #CreamyGarlicShrimpPasta #ShrimpPastaRecipe #FettuccineWithGarlicShrimp #EasyShrimpFettuccine
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and stir to incorporate the garlic remnants. Bring to a gentle simmer.

          Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

            Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine, then add the drained pasta. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic sauce.

              Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and visual appeal.