Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that will make your taste buds dance! This Chipotle Beer Shrimp Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold heat of chipotle, the rich depth of beer, and succulent shrimp in a dish that's both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply someone who craves restaurant-quality meals at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup beer
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and the garlic is minced.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Pour in 1 cup of beer and 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chipotle sauce if desired. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Once combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Chipotle Beer Shrimp with Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Beer Matters: Use a lighter beer like a lager or pale ale that won't overpower the chipotle sauce. The beer adds depth and helps tenderize the shrimp.
- Prevent Overcooking: Shrimp cooks quickly - watch for the color change from gray to pink. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery.
- Spice Control: Adjust the chipotle sauce to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you want extra kick.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente and reserve some pasta water. The starchy water can help create a silkier sauce if needed.
- Fresh Garnish: Don't skip the fresh cilantro - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spicy sauce.
- Quick Meal Prep: This entire dish comes together in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
