How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Luscious Seafood Delight

Creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a dish that can satisfy your craving for a comforting and delicious meal without breaking the bank or taking too long to prepare. The combination of garlicky butter, cream, and succulent shrimp makes this pasta an absolute delight for seafood lovers. This recipe serves four people and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt according to your preference and cook the pasta until it is al dente; about 10 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well but reserve some of the cooking water.

In the meanwhile, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it starts foaming, add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic or else you will lose its delicate flavor.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir gently. Cook them on one side, then flip them over once they start turning pink. This should take only about 3-4 minutes in total. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside. You can keep a close eye on them but make sure not to overcook as you want them to be tender yet firm.

Now, add the heavy cream into the skillet along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Stir continuously until it reaches your preferred consistency—thicker or slightly runny. The sauce should coat the shrimp and pasta evenly without becoming too thick or watery.

Mix in the lemon zest and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste. If you like a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over it for an added burst of umami. This step is crucial as seasoning can vary depending on personal preference and brand of ingredients used.

Once the pasta has finished cooking, add it directly into the skillet with the garlic shrimp sauce. Toss gently to combine everything nicely so that every piece gets coated well in the creamy sauce. If necessary, you may add more reserved cooking water or a splash of cream to achieve your desired texture and consistency.

Transfer the pasta onto four serving plates. Garnish each plate generously with lemon wedges for an extra tangy finish. Serve immediately while it is hot, as seafood dishes are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips & Variations

1. If you prefer more or less heat in your dish, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper accordingly.
2. To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the shrimp and use mushrooms instead. You could also add a vegetable like zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
3. For those who enjoy spicier flavors, you can increase the quantity of chili flakes or try adding a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic shrimp pasta is an easy yet impressive dish that showcases fresh ingredients in a simple yet satisfying way. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want to impress guests without spending too much time or effort. Whether you're serving this as part of a family meal or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers flavors and textures that are hard to resist.

With its rich garlicky butter sauce complemented by the mild sweetness of cream and the natural brininess of shrimp, creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a true testament to how versatile and delicious seafood can be. Enjoy this dish as it is or incorporate variations based on your personal tastes. Bon Appétit!

<

p>Note: Always handle raw seafood carefully to ensure food safety. Cook thoroughly until the shrimp are opaque throughout.