Description
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with juicy shrimp, rich creamy sauce, and tender pasta – a quick and comforting crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 shallot, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
- ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the IngredientsBegin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. While waiting, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare all your other ingredients and have them ready – mince the garlic, dice the shallot, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley. Having everything prepared before you start cooking ensures this Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta comes together smoothly.
- Step 2: Cook the PastaAdd the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the sauce, so aim for just shy of al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the ShrimpWhile the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sauté. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4: Create the Sauce BaseIn the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Finish the Creamy SauceReduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the lemon zest and juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Combine and ServeAdd the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp to warm through. Garnish your Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Tossing
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (estimated 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta