Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Did you know you can make a tasty shrimp pasta in just 20 minutes? Yes, it’s true! This recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

This quick shrimp pasta dish is simple yet flavorful. It features succulent shrimp cooked in about 4 to 5 minutes. The creamy garlic butter sauce adds a rich taste that everyone will love. Each serving has about 512.8 kcal, 35.3g of protein, and 4.1g of dietary fiber.

If you’re looking for a homemade shrimp pasta that’s both elegant and quick, you’re in the right spot. We’ll show you how to make this dish that’s sure to please everyone. It’s easy to fit into your busy weeknight schedule.

Why This Shrimp Pasta Recipe is Perfect for Weeknights

This shrimp pasta recipe is a hit because it’s simple yet flavorful. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal. You can make it in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver. It’s easy to make, even for beginners. You’ll need a few basic tools like a skillet and a pot. The ingredients are common, like olive oil and garlic. The shrimp cooks fast, saving you time.

The dish tastes great without taking long to prepare. It combines creamy garlic butter sauce with juicy shrimp. The sauce thickens quickly, making the meal rich and satisfying. This recipe is also good for you. It has 371 kcal per serving, with a good mix of protein and carbs. It’s low in fats and sodium, making it a healthy choice.

You can customize it to your taste. Use milk or heavy cream for the sauce, and add pasta water for the right consistency. Feel free to add herbs and spices for extra flavor.

In short, this shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious dinner. It’s great for any night, requiring little effort but delivering big flavor.

homemade shrimp pasta

Ingredients Needed for Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Are you ready to make a tasty shrimp pasta dish? Let’s get the ingredients. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a special meal, having the right ingredients is key.

Essential Ingredients

To make this creamy garlic shrimp pasta, you’ll need a few things:

  • Linguine Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite brand.
  • Shrimp: 1 1/4 pounds of large shrimp, deveined and shelled, typically classified as 21-25 count per pound.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Butter: 6 tablespoons divided, with 2 tablespoons used for sautéing.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves minced.
  • Heavy Cream: essential for that rich, creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded cheese to add creaminess to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon to enhance the shrimp pasta with lemon flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste for seasoning.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Want to add more flavor to your pasta? Here are some optional ingredients:

  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a burst of Italian flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon for a hint of heat.
  • Baby Spinach: 4 cups to add some healthy greens.
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons freshly chopped for garnish.
  • White Wine: 1/3 cup of Chardonnay, or you can substitute with lemon juice or chicken broth.

This shrimp pasta recipe is easy and flexible. You can adjust it to your liking. With just 25 minutes to prepare, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Enjoy!

quick shrimp pasta

How to Prepare the Shrimp

To get the best taste and texture in your shrimp pasta, you need to prepare the shrimp right. Let’s go through the steps to make sure your shrimp are ready and seasoned perfectly.

Thawing and Deveining Shrimp

Start by thawing the shrimp correctly. The best way is to put them in a colander under cold running water until they thaw. This takes just a few minutes and works well.

After thawing, you need to devein the shrimp. Use a paring knife or a deveining tool to cut along the shrimp’s back. This removes the dark vein, making your shrimp clean and ready for cooking.

Seasoning the Shrimp

For flavorful shrimp, use the right seasonings. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons of melted butter, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. For a spicy twist, add 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning.

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Butter: 1 ½ tablespoons
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
  • Old Bay seasoning (optional): 1 tablespoon

Toss the shrimp in this mix, making sure they’re well-coated. This step helps keep the flavors in and prepares them for quick cooking in the skillet.

By following these steps, you’re on your way to a tasty shrimp pasta dish. Enjoy the process and relish the delicious outcome!

Cooking the Perfect Pasta for Your Dish

Getting your pasta just right is key to a great dish. We’ll show you how to cook perfect pasta. This will make your shrimp pasta with tomato sauce a hit on weeknights.

Choosing the Right Pasta

The pasta you pick is very important. For shrimp pasta with tomato sauce, linguine is perfect. It catches the sauce well. A box of pasta usually serves eight, but adults should get 3-4 ounces each.

Cooking Pasta to Al Dente

Al dente is the goal for perfect pasta. It might take 12 minutes to get it right, not 5-6 as the package says. This texture is firm and prevents mushiness with the sauce. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start with six quarts of boiling water.
  2. Use 1-2 tablespoons of salt for flavor.
  3. Put the linguine in the water, stirring to avoid sticking.
  4. Check the pasta at 10 minutes and adjust as needed.

Reserving Pasta Water

Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining. This water is essential for your dish. It makes the sauce cling to the pasta better. This trick is key to making your pasta taste like it’s from a restaurant.

In summary:

  • Save about a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Use this water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
  • It improves flavor and helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Making a creamy garlic sauce for pasta is key to this shrimp pasta dish. You’ll enjoy making a garlic butter sauce that’s both rich and flavorful. It perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta. Follow these steps to make sure your sauce turns out just right.

Ingredients for the Sauce

Here’s what you need for a delicious creamy garlic butter sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups of chicken broth
  • 0.5 cups of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup of dry vermouth for extra depth of flavor

Steps to Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Here’s how to make a creamy garlic butter sauce that will wow your guests:

  1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a wide, deep saucepan or pot over medium-low heat. This makes a rich base for the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic as it can turn bitter.
  3. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
  4. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan: Add the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Season: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. For more flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry vermouth.

Adjust the sauce’s thickness by simmering longer or adding pasta water if needed. This creamy garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with the shrimp and pasta, making a delicious meal.

Enjoy every bite of your shrimp pasta creamy sauce meal. The rich and velvety garlic butter sauce takes the flavors to new heights!

Combining All Components for the Best Shrimp Pasta

To make your shrimp pasta, start by mixing pasta and sauce. This way, every strand gets covered in the creamy garlic butter. Boil 12 ounces of spaghettini, then drain, keeping half a cup of pasta water.

In a big skillet, warm up your creamy garlic sauce. Add the pasta water a bit at a time until it’s just right.

Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently to spread the sauce evenly. This stops the pasta from sticking together.

Use about one pound of large shrimp, thawed, deveined, and seasoned. Cook the shrimp until they’re golden brown. Then, add them to the pasta-sauce mix.

Stir the shrimp in carefully. This keeps them from getting overcooked and adds more flavor.

To garnish your shrimp pasta, sprinkle chopped parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. This boosts the flavors and makes the dish look great. By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious shrimp pasta that’s both tasty and well-presented.

Tips for Serving and Storing Shrimp Pasta

Enjoying your shrimp pasta is more than just cooking. Let’s look at creative ways to serve it, how to store leftovers, and safe reheating methods. This way, every bite stays delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your shrimp pasta with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can make it even better. Serving garlic bread or a fresh garden salad on the side is also a great idea. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really bring out the flavors.

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftover shrimp pasta right is important to keep it fresh. Put leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last 3 to 4 days, but it tastes best in the first couple of days.

Storage MethodDuration
Refrigerator3-4 Days

Reheating Directions

To reheat your pasta, follow these steps. Put the pasta in a saucepan with a bit of water to prevent drying. Heat it gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to keep the shrimp from getting tough.

shrimp pasta

Conclusion

This quick shrimp pasta recipe is a favorite for weeknights. It combines flavors and is easy to make. Each bite is a joy, thanks to the creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp.

It’s been shared 1,442 times and rated 4.96 out of 5. This shows how much people love it. It’s a quick recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes.

It uses 1 pound of shrimp, 8 ounces of pasta, and a few key ingredients. These include garlic, lemon juice, and white wine. It serves 4 and is a hit with everyone.

The creamy sauce cooks for 5-7 minutes. Shrimp are cooked in 3-5 minutes. This makes for a quick and delicious meal.

When you make this for your weeknights, remember to enjoy the process. Cooking is an art that should be fun. Next time you’re deciding what to cook, try this easy shrimp pasta.

It will help you get better at cooking and add elegance to your meals. So, go ahead and give it a try!

FAQ – Shrimp Pasta Recipe

FAQ – Shrimp Pasta Recipe

What makes this shrimp pasta recipe ideal for weeknight dinners?

This shrimp pasta recipe is great for weeknights. It’s simple yet elegant, needing little prep time and easy ingredients. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

What are the essential ingredients needed for this shrimp pasta recipe?

You’ll need linguine pasta, shrimp, garlic, olive oil, butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. These ingredients make a delicious and creamy shrimp pasta dish.

Are there any optional ingredients to enhance the flavor of the shrimp pasta?

Yes, you can add Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and parsley to boost the flavor. These extras let you tailor the pasta to your taste.

How should I prepare the shrimp for this pasta dish?

Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge or under cold water. Devein them if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like smoked paprika or Old Bay for extra flavor.

What type of pasta works best for this shrimp pasta recipe?

Linguine or spaghetti are the top picks. They let the creamy sauce coat each strand perfectly, making the dish tasty and cohesive.

How do I cook the pasta until al dente?

Cook pasta in salted water until it’s firm but not hard. Cook it 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests.

Why is reserving pasta water important?

Saving pasta water is key. It has starch that thickens the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta, enriching the dish.

What ingredients are needed to create
Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Quick Shrimp Pasta

This easy shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for weeknights, taking just 20 minutes to prepare. The dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce, offering a rich and flavorful experience. It's a quick, elegant, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 512.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Essential Ingredients:
  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp deveined and shelled (21-25 count per pound)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons butter divided (2 tablespoons for sautéing)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Heavy cream amount not specified
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/3 cup white wine or substitute with lemon juice or chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw and devein shrimp. Mix olive oil, melted butter, salt, and black pepper to season them. Optionally, add Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
  • Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
  • Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
  • Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add dry vermouth.
  • Cook the Shrimp: In a hot skillet, cook seasoned shrimp for 3-5 minutes until golden and opaque.
  • Combine All Components:
  • Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  • Stir in shrimp and mix gently to prevent overcooking.
  • If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with milk for a lighter version.
  • Reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat with a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Keyword Shrimp pasta, creamy garlic shrimp pasta, easy weeknight pasta, shrimp pasta with lemon, quick shrimp pasta recipe

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