Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

$- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, I love using fettuccine pasta. It holds the creamy sauce well. Use fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined for the best taste. If you can't find fettuccine, any pasta will work. Just adjust the cooking time. Next, let's talk about the garlic. Fresh garlic gives a great flavor. Mince it fine to release those strong flavors. The heavy cream adds a rich and smooth texture. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. For seasonings, olive oil and butter create a nice base. Salt and pepper bring out the flavors. Paprika adds warmth, while red pepper flakes give a kick if you like spice. Finally, don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It melts beautifully into the dish, making it extra delicious. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a quick and tasty meal. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine and cook until al dente. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cooking the pasta well is key. The salt helps flavor the noodles. Al dente means they should still have a slight bite. This gives the pasta a nice texture when you mix it with the sauce. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. - Add 1 lb of shrimp and season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes on each side. The oil and butter create a tasty base. Garlic adds a lovely aroma. When the shrimp turn pink, they are ready to eat. Do not overcook them, as they can become rubbery. - Reduce the heat to medium-low. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the shrimp and garlic. - Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Simmering allows the flavors to meld. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. If it seems too thick, you can always add a splash of reserved pasta water. - Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The cheese adds depth to the sauce. Adjusting the seasoning makes sure it fits your taste. The parsley gives a fresh touch and bright color to the dish. Enjoy your meal! How to achieve al dente texture To get that perfect al dente texture, cook your fettuccine in boiling salted water. Check the package for the right time but usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece before draining. It should be firm but not hard. Importance of reserving pasta water Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce stick and can thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. Use about half a cup for a great texture. Tips for garlic sautéing Sauté your minced garlic in olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook for only about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you cook it too long, it can burn and taste bitter. Suggestions on seasoning adjustments Feel free to adjust the spices! Add more paprika for heat or toss in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. Always taste as you go to find what you love. How to avoid separating sauce To keep your sauce creamy, don’t let it boil hard. Instead, let it simmer gently. Stir often to mix the cream with the shrimp and garlic. This keeps everything rich and smooth. Using different cheese options If you want to mix up your cheese, try using mozzarella or goat cheese. Each will give a different flavor and creaminess. Just make sure to melt it well into the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. If you choose chicken, use bite-sized pieces. Cook them until they are golden. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, and sauté it until crispy. This adds a nice texture. Both options keep the dish tasty and filling. If you want a lighter meal, try using zoodles. Zoodles are zucchini noodles that are low in carbs. Whole wheat pasta is also a healthy choice. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Other pasta types like penne or spaghetti work well too. Just remember to cook them al dente for the best bite. Adding veggies brings color and taste to your dish. Spinach wilts nicely and adds nutrients. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and sweetness. You can also try different herbs. Basil, oregano, or even dill can change the vibe. Use what you have on hand to make it your own. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. You want it warm but not overcooked. Yes, you can freeze creamy shrimp pasta! However, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave on a low setting. Reheat slowly to maintain creaminess. In the fridge, creamy shrimp pasta lasts about three days. If you notice any strange smells or colors, throw it out. Look for changes in texture, too. If it feels slimy or dry, it's best not to eat it. Yes, you can. For a lighter version, try using low-fat milk or almond milk. You can also use a mix of chicken broth and a little cornstarch for creaminess. Coconut milk adds a nice flavor too, if you like that taste. Pair your dish with a simple side salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. Garlic bread is a classic choice too. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus complements the pasta nicely. Look for shrimp that are pink and opaque. They should curl into a "C" shape. If they turn into an "O" shape, they might be overcooked. Cooking should take only about 2-3 minutes per side. Absolutely! If you love garlic, add more cloves. You can use up to 6 or even 8 cloves for a stronger flavor. Just sauté it a bit longer to avoid bitterness. Enjoy your garlicky delight! You learned how to make a creamy garlic shrimp pasta dish from scratch. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to make it even better. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste, whether you prefer different proteins or vegetables. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy creating a meal that impresses friends and family. This recipe not only tastes great but also showcases your cooking skills! Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!$

Savor the deliciousness of Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, a quick and easy dish perfect for any night of the week! With tender shrimp, garlic, and a rich cream sauce tossed with fettuccine, it's a meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready in just 20 minutes, you won't want to miss this recipe! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game.

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Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the shrimp and garlic. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4