Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is a hit every time, whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or planning a special gathering. It combines the simplicity of a few key ingredients with the mouthwatering flavors of garlic, butter, and shrimp. The result is a dish that is both savory and indulgent, with a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
The simplicity of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation and cooking process. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a delightful symphony of flavors that elevates the dish to a whole new level. if you like simple weeknight dinners try this https://fullkitchenrecipes.com/vegan-afghani-pilaf-rice/ and https://fullkitchenrecipes.com/easy-chana-masala-chickpea-curry/
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Ingredients
- Pasta- (linguine or any other pasta): Pasta serves as the base for the dish. Linguine is a popular choice, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer.)
- Butter- Butter is used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp, adding richness and flavor to the dish.
- Garlic- (finely chopped): Garlic is a key ingredient in garlic shrimp pasta, providing a delicious aroma and distinct flavor.
- Shrimp or prawns- Shrimp or prawns are the star protein in this dish. They are usually peeled and de-veined before cooking.
- onion- (diced onions) adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Tomato paste- Tomato paste brings a rich tomato flavor to the sauce and helps to thicken it.
- Sun-dried tomatoes- Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of tangy flavor. They can be diced or julienned and added to the pasta. You can find sun dried tomatoes in can goods aisle in your grocery store.
- Mushrooms- Mushrooms add an earthy taste and texture to the dish. Common choices include cremini or button mushrooms, which can be sliced and sautéed.
- Heavy cream or half and half- Heavy cream is used to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. It adds richness and smoothness to the dish. you can use half and half for much healthier alternative.
- pasta water- Pasta water refers to the water in which the pasta is cooked. Reserve one cup of water before draining. the pasta.
- Italian seasoning- Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. It typically includes herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It adds aromatic and savory notes to the dish.
- Fresh spinach- Fresh spinach is a healthy addition to the pasta. It wilts quickly when added to the sauce, providing a vibrant green color and nutritional value.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese- Try to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of fake cheese.
- Salt, Black pepper and crushed red pepper
How to make garlic butter Tuscan shrimp pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Saute diced onions in the same pan until translucent. Add tomatoes paste, sun dried tomatoes and sliced mushrooms Sauté them for a few minutes until they are softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half and half to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato paste mixture. Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Now add salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and Italian seasoning and stir.
- Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, and add in the Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked shrimp and cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss it well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic butter Tuscan sauce.
Variations and Modifications
A. Personalizing the Recipe:
- Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. Sauté or roast them separately before adding them to the pasta.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
B. Alternative Protein Options:
- Chicken: Replace the shrimp with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh pieces. Cook the chicken until it's cooked through and slightly browned, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the shrimp with firm tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes or slices, and pan-fry or bake until it's golden brown before adding it to the pasta.
C. Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or coconut cream. Ensure any cheese used for garnishing is dairy-free as well.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Instead of traditional pasta, use spiraled zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content while maintaining the flavors.
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Recipe video
📖 Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Pasta
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or planning a special gathering, creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Let's dive into the details and learn how to create this irresistible dish!
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Servings: 4 serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lbs (500g) shrimp or prawns
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- sun dried tomatoes
- 1 ¾ cup whipping cream or half and half
- 1 cup pasta water
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside
- Saute diced onions in the same pan until translucent. Add tomatoes paste, sun dried tomatoes and sliced mushrooms Sauté them for a few minutes until they are softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half and half to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato paste mixture. Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Add salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and Italian seasoning and stir.
- Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, and add in the Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked shrimp and cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss it well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic butter Tuscan sauce.
Notes
A. Personalizing the Recipe:
- Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. Sauté or roast them separately before adding them to the pasta.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
- Chicken: Replace the shrimp with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh pieces. Cook the chicken until it's cooked through and slightly browned, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the shrimp with firm tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes or slices, and pan-fry or bake until it's golden brown before adding it to the pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or coconut cream. Ensure any cheese used for garnishing is dairy-free as well.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Instead of traditional pasta, use spiraled zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content while maintaining the flavors.
