Elevate Your Dinner Game in Under 30 Minutes
In search of a dinner recipe that’s both quick to prepare and delightfully delicious? Look no further than this creamy garlic shrimp pasta. With its rich flavors of garlic and parmesan melded with the tenderness of shrimp, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to upgrade your weeknight meal routine, this pasta dish hits all the right notes.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 1 to 2 pounds of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ cups milk (not skim) or heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (if using milk)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package directions. Before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add half the shrimp in a single layer, cooking until pink and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside, then repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. If using milk, mix it with cornstarch first. Then, add milk or cream to the skillet, stirring until slightly thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, using tongs to mix well. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Add the cooked shrimp, tossing gently to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delightful meal, it’s a recipe that promises flavor in every bite. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for any night of the week. Dive into this creamy, garlicky goodness and let your taste buds rejoice!
