Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries the richness of creamy Parmesan sauce with the zesty kick of spicy shrimp! This Spicy Shrimp Parmesan Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that serves four, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over shrimp for added heat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- 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, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently fold into the pasta, heating through for an additional minute.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce consistency!
- Shrimp Secrets: Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning helps them sear better, giving you that beautiful pink color and delicious flavor. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes unless you prefer a milder dish!
- Creamy Sauce: To achieve a silky smooth sauce, add the Parmesan cheese gradually and whisk continuously. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of flavor.
- Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can elevate the presentation and add a fresh flavor contrast to the rich sauce.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 653kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 210mg
