Ready for a quick and tasty dinner? My Minute Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is here to save your evening. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels fancy but takes only minutes to prepare. I’ll guide you step by step, so you can impress your family or enjoy a delightful solo dinner. Let’s dive into the magic of garlic, shrimp, and cheese!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Juice of half a lemon
In this dish, I use spaghetti or linguine as the base. The pasta gives a nice bite. Choose large shrimp for a great texture. Peel and devein them for easy eating. Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and taste. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings creaminess and depth.
For seasoning, I like to add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. The zest and juice of lemon brighten the dish. They add a fresh, zesty note that balances the richness.
This ingredient list makes a simple yet delicious pasta dish. Each item plays a key role, ensuring you enjoy every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
1. Boil salted water. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to it. This adds flavor to the pasta.
2. Cook until al dente. When the water boils, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You want it firm to bite, known as al dente.
3. Reserve pasta water. Before draining the pasta, save about one cup of the starchy water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later.
Sautéing the Shrimp
1. Melt butter in a skillet. Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt gently.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Once the butter is melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir for one minute until you smell the garlic.
3. Cook shrimp until pink. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Combining Ingredients
1. Toss pasta with shrimp. Lower the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss them together well.
2. Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water. Slowly mix in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time. This makes the sauce creamy and helps it coat the pasta.
3. Stir in cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Finally, add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Add zest from 1 lemon and juice from half a lemon for a fresh taste. Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for color.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Pasta
To cook perfect pasta, timing is key. Aim for al dente, which means “to the bite.” This pasta has a slight firmness that feels great in your mouth. Follow the package cooking time closely. Taste a strand a minute before the time is up. If it feels right, drain it.
Always reserve some pasta water. This water has starch that helps thicken the sauce. It also adds flavor. Keep about a cup of water before you drain the pasta. You can use this later to adjust the sauce.
Elevate Flavor
To boost flavor, consider using garlic oil or fresh herbs. Garlic oil adds another layer of garlic taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. Toss in a handful of chopped herbs before serving.
Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For less heat, use fewer flakes. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for warmth without too much spice.
Variations
Alternative Pasta Choices
You can change the pasta for a different taste. Here are some fun options:
– Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. They cook well and taste great.
– Whole grain or vegetable pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. Vegetable pasta brings extra flavor and nutrition.
Protein Swaps
If you want to switch up the protein, try these ideas:
– Chicken or scallops as swaps: Chicken works well when diced and cooked just like shrimp. Scallops add a sweet touch and cook fast.
– Vegetarian option with grilled veggies: Use grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. They add a fresh taste and color to your dish.
These variations help you make Minute Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta your own!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the dish cool down to room temperature.
– Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
– Freezing: If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy this dish again, reheating is key.
– Best methods: Use a skillet over low heat for even warmth. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
– Avoiding overcooking shrimp: Heat just until warm, about five minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, so they don’t turn rubbery.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap out the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast works great as a substitute. It gives a cheesy flavor without any dairy. You can also use a dairy-free cheese that melts well. Just check labels to avoid any dairy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps them thaw evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This way, they will sear nicely in the skillet.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking shrimp?
To keep shrimp juicy, watch the cooking time closely. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink, they are done. If you see them curling up tightly, they are overcooked. Keep the heat at medium-high for a quick cook while ensuring they stay tender.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious shrimp pasta dish. I shared key ingredients like shrimp, butter, garlic, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions to cook pasta and sauté shrimp. Tips included timing for perfect pasta and ways to add flavor. I also suggested variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers.
In summary, this recipe offers fun and taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and enjoy your meal!
