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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy shrimp pasta shine. Start with fettuccine pasta, as it holds the sauce well. Large shrimp work best because they are meaty and cook quickly. Use fresh garlic for a strong aroma and flavor. Heavy cream creates that rich, velvety sauce, while grated Parmesan adds a savory touch. For extra zest, lemon zest and lemon juice brighten the dish. Paprika brings a mild warmth that complements the shrimp. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness to each bite. Check out the Full Recipe for a complete guide to making this delightful dish! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it. Remember to save a cup of the pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of large shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this simmer gently. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce creamy and rich. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine next. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Cook the pasta and shrimp together for just another minute. This allows the flavors to blend well. Now, plate the creamy shrimp pasta. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To cook shrimp well, aim for a duration of 2-3 minutes per side. This short time is key to tender shrimp. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. When they curl into a C shape, they are ready to eat. You can adjust the sauce's thickness using reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon and add more if needed. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. When whisking in cheese, do it slowly. This way, it melts smoothly into the sauce. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes or fresh basil. These add a nice kick. If you want a cheese alternative, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. These can provide a unique twist to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this creamy shrimp pasta. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta for this dish. Try whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Both options work well. Whole grain adds more fiber. Gluten-free pasta is great for those with allergies. Look for brands that offer good texture. Adding veggies makes your dish colorful and healthy. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely in the sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color. You can also use bell peppers for crunch. Just sauté them with garlic for extra flavor. Want to switch up the protein? Chicken works well in this dish. Cook it the same way as the shrimp. Scallops are another tasty option. They cook quickly and add a rich flavor. For a plant-based choice, try tofu or chickpeas. Both absorb flavors well and make the dish filling. To store leftovers, place the creamy shrimp pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, throw it away. Freezing creamy shrimp pasta is a good option if you want it for later. First, let it cool down completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. To use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating creamy shrimp pasta, do it gently. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. This way, you keep the taste and texture nice and creamy. For the full recipe, check out the section above! I recommend using large shrimp for this dish. They have a nice bite and cook well. Fresh shrimp is always the best choice for flavor. If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen shrimp works too. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them firm and tasty. Yes, you can make creamy shrimp pasta dairy-free! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. There are many brands of dairy-free cheese that melt well too. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. Creamy shrimp pasta stays good in the fridge for about three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help it stay creamy. Make sure it heats through to a safe temperature. Absolutely! If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a nice twist too. This blog post shared a simple and tasty creamy shrimp pasta recipe. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfect shrimp. You can customize this dish with various pasta, veggies, or proteins. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cooking can be both fun and rewarding, especially with straightforward recipes. Enjoy creating your creamy shrimp pasta!

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Dive into the delicious world of creamy shrimp pasta, a delightful dish that's easy to whip up any night of the week! With fresh shrimp, rich cream, and aromatic garlic, this recipe will impress your family and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, it offers step-by-step guidance to create a creamy masterpiece at home. Ready to elevate your dinner? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

        Add Cheese and Flavor: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

            Final Touches: Allow the pasta to cook for another minute in the sauce while tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve: Plate the creamy shrimp pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4