Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Protein
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and slightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in white wine or chicken broth and let it reduce slightly. Next, stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, then add Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce and pasta blend seamlessly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent it from breaking or boiling harshly.
- Adjust salt carefully after adding Parmesan, as it is naturally salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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