– 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating Garlic-Infused Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic sauce.
5. Add the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently to incorporate them into the pasta and sauce. Allow everything to heat through for an additional minute.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.