Description
Mary’s marry me shrimp pasta combines succulent seafood with a rich, garlicky sauce that promises romance on a plate. Dinner guests will swoon over this Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings passion to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, setting aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- In a large skillet, sear shrimp over medium heat until they transform to a vibrant pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, quickly toast minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes, developing rich depth.
- Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a velvety, uniform sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, ensuring each piece becomes lavishly coated with the creamy sauce. Let the mixture harmonize for 2 minutes.
- Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, using reserved pasta water to calibrate the sauce’s consistency if needed, ensuring every strand is luxuriously enrobed.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the flavors to dance on the palate.
Notes
- Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for dietary flexibility, ensuring protein lovers and vegetarians can enjoy this delightful dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or creamy texture.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for heat-sensitive palates.
- Quickly thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry if the consistency feels too thin, creating a perfectly smooth finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg