Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a delightful meal that balances savory, creamy, and fresh herb flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (fresh or dried)
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh, wild-caught preferred)
Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer softly for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Gently stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during garlic sautéing.
