Description
Indulgent marry me shrimp pasta weaves culinary magic with succulent shrimp dancing through rich, silky sauce. Garlic-kissed noodles and tender seafood promise a romantic dinner that whispers love with each delectable bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Main Components:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then quickly sear in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant pink and develop golden edges. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, gently toast minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing its rich flavor profile.
- Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 5 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
- Reintroduce the cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the creamy sauce, carefully coating each ingredient. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed, ensuring a silky, smooth texture.
- Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce remains creamy.
Notes
- Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to maintain their tender, juicy texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness, making the dish mild for sensitive palates or extra zesty for heat lovers.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 515 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg