Name: Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Dinner Done
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup dry white grape juice; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1½ cups half and half; ¾ cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ pound linguine

Creamy Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagin extracte succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich, velvety saugin extract clinging to al dente pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a dish that whispers indulgence with every bite and brings a smile to everyone at the table. This isn’t just any weeknight dinner; it’s a luxurious escape, a culinary hug that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully familiar. What makes our Creamy Shrimp Pasta so special? We’ve perfected the balance of flavors, ensuring the delicate sweetness of the shrimp shines through without being overpowered by the decadent sauce. The secret lies in a few simple, yet impactful techniques that elevate this classic to something truly memorable, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions or when you simply crave something extraordinary.

Ingredients:

1 pound large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup dry white grape juice
3 tablespoons salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1½ cups half and half
¾ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon honey
10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ pound linguine

Preparing the Shrimp

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

The first step in creating our delicious Creamy Shrimp Pasta is to get our star ingredient, the shrimp, ready. In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. We want to cook them quickly so they don’t become tough. Sauté the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. This ensures they stay tender and juicy for the final dish. Don’t worry about the little bits left in the pan; they’ll add flavor to our sauce.

Building the Creamy Sauce

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Now, let’s build the luscious sauce for our Creamy Shrimp Pasta. In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it taste bitter. Next, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk this into the melted butter and garlic mixture to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step helps cook out the raw flour taste and will thicken our sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato and Liquids

Following the roux, stir in the 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook this for another minute, stirring well to combine it with the roux. The tomato paste will deepen the color and add a subtle tang to our sauce. Now, it’s time to introduce our liquids. Gradually whisk in the ½ cup of dry white grape juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for a minute to allow the non-alcoholic alternative to cook off slightly. Then, slowly pour in the 1½ cups of half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Follow this with the ¾ cup of chicken broth. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. We want to let it thicken slightly. Add the 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for a touch of heat, and the 1 teaspoon of honey to balance the flavors and add a hint of sweetness. Stir in the 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, including their liquid. The Rotel adds a fantastic Tex-Mex flair and a delightful texture to the pasta. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Finishing Touches and Pasta Assembly

Step 5: Achieve Ultimate Creaminess and Combine

For the ultimate creamy finish to our Creamy Shrimp Pasta, stir in the 3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted into the sauce, making it exceptionally rich and velvety. This is a game-changer for achieving that luxurious texture. Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, stir in the ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Finally, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta and Serve

While the sauce is simmering and being perfected, cook your ½ pound of linguine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the creamy shrimp sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Serve your Creamy Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delightful and easy recipe for Creamy Shrimp Pasta that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite! We’ve walked through each step, from perfectly sautéing the shrimp to creating that luscious, velvety sauce. This dish is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying main course, or you can elevate it further by serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into that irresistible sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Consider adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, some chopped fresh spinach for added nutrients and color, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The beauty of Creamy Shrimp Pasta lies in its adaptability. We encourage you to try this recipe, make it your own, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before starting. You can do this by placing them in a colander in the sink and running cold water over them for a few minutes, or by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them very dry after thawing to ensure they get a good sear when cooking.

What kind of pasta works best with Creamy Shrimp Pasta?

A variety of pasta shapes will work well, but we find that shapes that hold sauce nicely are ideal. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even shells are excellent choices. The key is to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.