Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Next, add the large shrimp, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the last clove of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until well combined. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed!

4. Bring it All Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to thoroughly coat the noodles. Afterward, gently return the shrimp to the skillet and mix well to reheat them, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes so everything is warmed through.

5. Serve: Plate your delightful creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta and finish by sprinkling with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately, perhaps with some garlic bread or a light side salad.

Nutritional Information: This dish is high in protein from shrimp and offers a delightful serving of healthy fats from the butter and cream. A typical serving contains approximately 600 calories, with about 30g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 35g of fat (values may vary depending on specific ingredients used).

Time: Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes.