Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Arugula—a dish that promises to elevate your dinner game! Imagine succulent shrimp dancing in a luscious cream sauce, perfectly paired with the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes and peppery arugula. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it's quick to prepare, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party. Ready to dive into a plate of creamy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta.
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh arugula, allowing it to slightly wilt from the residual heat.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always add a generous pinch of salt to your boiling water to enhance the pasta's flavor. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it’s a game-changer for adjusting your sauce's consistency!
- Shrimp Secrets: For the best texture, ensure your shrimp are patted dry before seasoning. This helps them sear beautifully in the skillet.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the garlic! Sautéing it until fragrant releases a wonderful aroma and adds depth to your dish.
- Tomato Time: Allow the cherry tomatoes to soften and release their juices; this will create a rich, flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess.
- Fresh Finish: Add the arugula at the end to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor—let it wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta for the best results.
- Cheese, Please: Finish your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch that ties all the flavors together beautifully.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delicious pasta dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 250mg
