Description
This creamy shrimp pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender shrimp are sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, then tossed with fettuccine and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, finished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon for brightness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish sure to please seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Simmer the cream. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese. Stir the grated Parmesan into the cream sauce until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Combine pasta and shrimp. Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with lemon and parsley. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to add brightness and fresh herbal notes to the dish.
- Serve immediately. Plate the creamy shrimp pasta while hot, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer spicier pasta, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
