Tender shrimp, bold spices, and a luscious cream sauce come together in this Shrimp Pasta recipe—a perfect balance of comfort and elegance for any occasion!
Shrimp pasta is a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting—an ideal balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, there’s something special about the way tender, juicy shrimp pairs with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, brought to life with a medley of garlic, herbs, and a velvety cream sauce.
Pasta has been a beloved staple for centuries. Ancient civilizations like the Etruscans, who lived in what is now Italy, were known to make dough from grains and water as early as 400 BCE. Over time, this simple concept evolved into the wide array of pasta dishes we enjoy today.
This shrimp pasta recipe offers a lighter alternative to heavier dishes like chicken Alfredo. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp, which shines in its ability to soak up bold seasonings like oregano, thyme, and garlic. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s the ultimate combination of comfort and sophistication—all in one dish.
Is Shrimp Pasta Healthy?
Shrimp is a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with pasta. It’s also a great option for those looking for a lighter protein alternative to meat. While pasta is carb-heavy, it can be part of a well-rounded meal when enjoyed in moderation and balanced with other ingredients like vegetables and lean proteins.
The cream sauce, while indulgent, can be adjusted to suit your preferences. For a lighter option, you can swap the cream for a splash of olive oil or use Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy texture with a twist. Whether you’re indulging or lightening things up, shrimp pasta can be tailored to fit your tastes.
Cook Like Strega Nona
If you’ve ever read the beloved children’s story Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola, you know Strega Nona had a magical touch when it came to making pasta. While we may not have her enchanted pot, there’s still a bit of culinary magic you can bring to your own kitchen.
Start by salting your water before bringing it to a boil. This simple step ensures your pasta is flavorful from the inside out. Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, don’t just drain it—save some of that precious pasta water! It’s like a secret ingredient: the starches from the boiled pasta help bind your sauce, making it cling beautifully to every noodle. It’s pasta magic—no spellbook required!
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces dry linguine pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Cook pasta, sauté shrimp.
Sauce
Make creamy Parmesan sauce in skillet.
Combine
Toss pasta with shrimp and sauce, garnish with parsley.
Devour!
How To Make Ahead And Store
The pasta and the sauce can be prepared the night before if necessary. Store in the fridge in separate containers. Cook the shrimp, heat the sauce and noodles, then combine. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Salad is a fantastic accompaniment for a creamy pasta dinner. Some of my favorite salads to serve with shrimp pasta are a Vegan Caesar Salad, Classic Caprese Salad, or a simple Zucchini Salad. All of these go perfectly with a warm tray of Garlic Toast.
You might also want to try your hand at some Homemade Pasta while you’re at it. It’s a little time-consuming, but well worth it!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry linguine pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and onion powder, and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp.
- Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet with the sauce. Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the taste as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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