This dish combines tender spaghetti with succulent shrimp in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. It’s a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Sautéing
Cuisine:Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
Water and salt (for boiling)
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil the Pasta:
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
Sauté Garlic and Add Wine:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the Sauce:
Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine and Serve:
Toss with Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach to the sauce.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half cream and half milk.
The white wine can be omitted or replaced with chicken broth.