Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and quick Italian-inspired main course that features tender shrimp cooked in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine pasta. This flavorful dish combines fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning to create a comforting seafood pasta meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fettuccine or linguine pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside for later use.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper evenly on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor. Then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta as well. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh and vibrant garnish. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter, lower-fat version of the sauce.
- Adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes enhances both flavor and nutritional value.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
