Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal: creamy spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it comes together in just 25 minutes. I mean, who doesn’t love a quick, delicious meal that feels gourmet? The tender shrimp perfectly mingle with the rich, velvety cream sauce, and when you toss that with spaghetti, it’s pure magic! Trust me, the first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how easy and satisfying it was. The aroma wafting through my kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! Seriously, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish never disappoints. Just grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients for Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce
- 200g spaghetti
- 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic really happens, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring this creamy delight in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 200g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You want it perfectly cooked and ready to soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—just enough to wake up those delicious flavors. But don’t let it burn; we want it golden, not brown!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—300g of shrimp! Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a beautiful pink. This step is so quick, and the smell is just heavenly!
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 2-3 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Oh wow, this is where it starts to get really good!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into that dreamy sauce. Now, toss in your cooked spaghetti and mix it all together until every strand is coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving! And there you have it, a bowl of pure comfort that’s ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh shrimp if you can—it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking; nobody likes rubbery shrimp! Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste as you go! A little extra salt and pepper can really elevate your dish. And if you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for that delightful heat. Finally, remember to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining the spaghetti; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. Trust me, these little tips will help you create a dish that’s sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this creamy spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce, you’re not just treating your taste buds—you’re also looking at some hearty nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values based on the ingredients used in this recipe. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
So there you have it! This dish is a delightful balance of carbs and protein, making it a satisfying option for a quick dinner. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a great option, especially if you can’t find fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This way, they’ll be tender and juicy in your creamy spaghetti. Just remember, never cook them while still frozen, as that can lead to uneven cooking!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to heavy cream, you’ve got a couple of great options! You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, or if you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute. Just keep in mind that these might alter the flavor a bit, but they can still create a delicious sauce!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Oh, if you love a little heat, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways to spice things up! You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or even toss in a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream sauce. For an extra kick, consider finely chopping some fresh chili peppers and adding them with the shrimp. Trust me, it’ll give your creamy spaghetti a delightful zing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing!
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from a simple green salad to crusty garlic bread, making it adaptable for any occasion.
- Impressive and Elegant: Serve this creamy spaghetti to guests, and they’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen—it looks and tastes gourmet!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to elevate your creamy spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce experience, I’ve got some delightful serving suggestions that will perfectly complement this dish! Trust me, these sides will add that extra touch to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty garlic bread on the side! The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up any leftover cream sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast to the rich pasta. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe a sprinkle of feta for a little extra flavor.
- Steamed Asparagus: The crisp-tender asparagus adds a lovely pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Just steam it for a few minutes and drizzle with lemon juice for brightness!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, can provide a hearty, flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- White Wine: Pair your meal with a chilled glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay. It enhances the dish’s flavors and makes for an elegant dining experience!
Mix and match these sides based on your mood or the occasion, and you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!
Creamy Garlic Pasta is a great option to explore if you love creamy dishes!
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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce: 25-Minute Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy spaghetti with shrimp is a delicious and quick meal.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt, and pepper; cook until shrimp are pink.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Can substitute pasta with gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: spaghetti, shrimp, cream sauce, pasta
