Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- Linguine or spaghetti: 12 oz (350g)
- Shrimp: 1 lb (500g), peeled and deveined
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Chicken or vegetable broth: ½ cup
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Fresh basil: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add the broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese and combine:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Plate the pasta and top with fresh basil, more Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
