Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a Cheesy Kick

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever have one of those days? Honestly, this cheesy shrimp pasta is my go-to comfort food. It's seriously creamy, garlicky, and cheesy , and it's ready faster than you can say "takeaway"!

Brief Overview

This pasta dish, with its Italian roots, feels like a warm hug. It's easy to make (beginner friendly) and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes 4 servings .

Main Benefits

Seafood is good for you, innit? It has good fat. Besides being utterly delicious, this recipe packs a good protein punch.

It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something satisfying but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It makes it special, right?

Cor Blimey, Cheesy Goodness Awaits!

So, you're craving cheesy, creamy pasta? Then this creamy shrimp pasta recipe is just the ticket! We're talking tender shrimp, a luscious garlic sauce, and enough cheese to make you say, "Oh my gosh!" It truly is an easy cheesy shrimp pasta dish.

Time to Whip It Up!

This isn't just another seafood pasta recipe . It's quick, it's easy, and garlic butter shrimp pasta makes it taste like it's from a fancy restaurant.

Okay , Let's get started with the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Amazing Cheesy Shrimp Pasta

Right, okay , let's talk ingredients for this creamy shrimp pasta recipe . Honestly, it's not rocket science. But good ingredients? That makes all the difference.

You know? And cor blimey , you don't need fancy stuff to make this sing. This will be an easy cheesy shrimp pasta .

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

• Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Get the good stuff. Fresh is best, obviously. If frozen, make sure they smell, well, of the sea , and not fishy.

  Pink and firm is what you're after.

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Your call, mate. I lean towards linguine; it just seems to grab the sauce better, right? This seafood pasta recipe is fantastic with any shape though.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Nothing too fancy, just a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin is always a safe bet.

• Garlic: 3 cloves total. Fresh! None of that jarred nonsense. It really does make a difference.

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) (optional). For a bit of a kick. I like it, but if you're not into spice, leave it out.

• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (55g) . Unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness, yeah?

• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . This is to thicken your sauce. Don't skip it.

• Milk: 2 cups (475ml) . Whole milk makes a richer sauce, but 2% works fine in a pinch.

• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This is the magic ingredient. Parmesan shrimp pasta is incomplete without this ingredient.

• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated. Freshly grated is always better! You know, pre-shredded stuff has cellulose in it, which can stop it melting properly.

• Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) shredded. Again, grate your own if you can! I like to use Shrimp and mozzarella pasta .

• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy! Seasoning is key to a great dish.

• Water: 8 cups (2 liters) for pasta. Salt: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for pasta water.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Bombs

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is the way to go, honestly. Sautéing the garlic in butter before adding the flour? Game changer.

And don't forget the salt and pepper. Taste as you go! For a little extra oomph, a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce? Don't knock it 'til you try it.

If you're out of red pepper flakes, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper will do the trick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Obvious, innit?
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Whisk: Essential for making a smooth sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements. Quick shrimp pasta dinner needs careful measurements.

Don't have a whisk? A fork will work in a pinch, but seriously , get a whisk. See, that wasn’t too hard now was it? And this Italian shrimp pasta will be ready in no time.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a Cheesy Kick!

Okay, cor blimey, let's whip up a batch of SEO-friendly cheesy shrimp pasta! This is way more than just another shrimp pasta recipe.

We're talking seriously tender shrimp swimming in a crazy good, creamy garlic sauce. Oh my gosh! And loads of cheese! It’s like weeknight magic.

It tastes like a fancy restaurant meal. Honestly, even I'm impressed sometimes.

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together!

• Essential Mise en Place: Peel and devein 1 pound (450g) of shrimp. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Grate ½ cup (50g) each of Parmesan and mozzarella. Measure out your other ingredients. You know, the usual suspects.
• Time Saving Organization Tips: Get the pasta water boiling while you prep the shrimp. That's efficiency, baby!
• Safety Reminders: Don't be a dummy. Use a non-slip cutting board. Watch that hot oil!

step-by-step to Pasta Perfection!

1. Cook 1 pound (450g) of pasta in 8 cups (2 liters) of boiling, salted water. It needs to be al dente, so about 8- 10 minutes , depending on the type. Save ½ cup of pasta water!
2. Sauté garlic (from 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil and 1 tsp (5g) minced garlic ) in a large skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side until pink. Set shrimp aside.
3. Melt butter ( ¼ cup (55g) ) in the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour ( ¼ cup (30g) ) and cook for 1 minute .
4. Gradually whisk in milk ( 2 cups (475ml) ) and cream ( ½ cup (120ml) ). Stir until smooth. Simmer.
5. Reduce heat and stir in cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro Tips for Next Level Pasta

• Don't overcook the shrimp! That is the biggest mistake. No one likes rubbery shrimp. Cook them until they are just pink and opaque.
• Fresh garlic is the bomb. It adds so much more flavor.
• Keep some pasta water! It helps the sauce stick to the pasta and makes it extra creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Creamy shrimp pasta recipe, Shrimp pasta with garlic - Now you're armed with knowledge to make the best pasta easy cheesy shrimp pasta, seafood pasta recipe you will ever have! This Parmesan shrimp pasta recipe for garlic butter shrimp pasta can be a quick shrimp pasta dinner any night of the week.

It's like bringing a taste of Italian shrimp pasta to your dinner table. You could even swap mozzarella with Shrimp and mozzarella pasta , I hope to see you enjoying this weeknight shrimp pasta dinner.

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Cheesy Shrimp Pasta

Okay, cor blimey, let's dive into some extra tips to make your cheesy shrimp pasta absolutely banging! I’ve cooked this dish so many times, I've learned a thing or two.

Honestly, it’s a weeknight staple in my house.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Think about presentation! A swirl of pasta in a bowl, shrimp artfully arranged on top...you know? Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of colour.

Serve with garlic bread for dipping up all that creamy shrimp pasta recipe sauce. A crisp side salad cuts through the richness perfectly.

Pair it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio and you're golden!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your garlic butter shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I don't recommend freezing, as the sauce can get a bit grainy. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Don't nuke it, unless you want it to explode!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to spice things up? Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick! If you’re after a seafood pasta recipe but don't have shrimp, try scallops or even some leftover cooked salmon.

For a vegetarian twist, swap the shrimp for roasted broccoli or mushrooms. My mate Dave loves it with roasted peppers! For a lighter version, use skim milk instead of whole and cut back on the heavy cream.

This easy cheesy shrimp pasta is super adaptable.

Nutrition Basics: Know Your Numbers

While this Parmesan shrimp pasta is delicious, it's good to be mindful of what you're eating. Each serving clocks in around 650 calories, with 45g of protein, 35g of fat, and 50g of carbs.

It's a decent source of protein thanks to the shrimp and cheese. But, hey, it's all about balance, innit?

So, there you have it! My top tips for making this quick shrimp pasta dinner a total triumph. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking! Now go on and whip up some amazing Italian shrimp pasta that will impress everyone. And remember, it is an easy cheesy shrimp pasta recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this cheesy shrimp pasta recipe, or is fresh shrimp best?

Absolutely, frozen shrimp works brilliantly! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking pop it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for a quicker thaw. Pat the shrimp dry before sautéing to ensure it gets a lovely sear and doesn't steam in the pan, otherwise it will become rubbery!

What kind of pasta is best for cheesy shrimp pasta? I'm not a whizz in the kitchen, what pasta shape works well with the sauce?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are classic choices that work wonderfully as they grip the sauce well. However, penne or even rotini would be smashing too! Basically, any pasta shape with a good surface area to capture that delicious, cheesy sauce is a winner.

My cheesy shrimp pasta sauce is too thick! How can I thin it out without ruining the flavour?

No worries, easily done! The best solution is to add a splash of the reserved pasta water that starchy water is liquid gold for pasta dishes. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Milk or cream can work too, but pasta water helps the flavour and consistency.

How long does leftover cheesy shrimp pasta last, and what's the best way to store it? Can I have it the next day?

Absolutely, you can! Leftover cheesy shrimp pasta will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent it from drying out and maintain the creamy texture.

Avoid leaving it in the danger zone for too long (2 hours), or the shrimp might not be safe to eat.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to cheesy shrimp pasta, what can I use instead?

Certainly! Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms make a fantastic and equally delicious substitute for shrimp. Toss them with the creamy cheese sauce and pasta as you would with the shrimp. For a bit of added protein, you could also include some cannellini beans or chickpeas.

How can I make this cheesy shrimp pasta spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Adding a bit of heat is a great idea! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp while cooking. Another option is to use a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your liking at the end.

Just taste as you go to get the spice level just right for your taste buds.