Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Quick & Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Choice

Twirling forks through a creamy garlic shrimp pasta that dances with rich, velvety flavors promises pure culinary delight.

Succulent shrimp nestle among perfectly cooked noodles, creating a restaurant-worthy dish you can craft at home.

Garlic infuses each bite with an aromatic warmth that makes this recipe irresistible.

Delicate seafood mingles with tender pasta, offering a sophisticated yet simple meal.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate the entire experience.

This one-pan wonder comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Prepare to savor every luxurious, butter-kissed morsel that awaits you.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Behind Every Great Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

For Pasta Base:
  • Linguine, Fettuccine: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta for best texture and flavor absorption.
For Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood protein, select medium-sized wild-caught or gulf shrimp for optimal taste and texture, ensure they are fresh and have a clean ocean scent.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds intense aromatic kick and subtle heat, choose fresh garlic cloves with firm, unblemished skin, select quality red pepper flakes for consistent spice level.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid base, opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt content, ensures deep flavor development.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious silky consistency, select high-fat content cream for more robust sauce.
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth undertone, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor punch.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Adds fresh herbaceous note and salty complexity, choose fresh flat-leaf parsley and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for superior taste.

Handy Tools for Quick Pasta Night Wins

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and creating the creamy garlic sauce.
  • Pasta Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
  • Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Cutting Board: For chopping fresh parsley and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and butter measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta with shrimp.

From Pan to Plate in Just a Few Moves

  • Boil Pasta

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it until tender. Drain, but keep a splash of pasta water for later.

  • Sizzle Shrimp

Heat up a skillet with olive oil and butter. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color. Scoop them out and set aside.

  • Create Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the aroma fill your kitchen. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up those delicious pan bits.

  • Build Creamy Base

Stir in heavy cream, sprinkle some salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken into a luxurious blanket of flavor.

  • Marry Ingredients

Reunite the shrimp with the pasta in the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed. Let the flavors dance and mingle.

  • Plate and Garnish

Slide the pasta onto a plate. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add a shower of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Dive in and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Try These Flavor Updates That Work Wonders

  • Garlic Shrimp Pasta Pro Tips & Twists
  • Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for faster cooking and easier preparation. Fresh or frozen both work perfectly, just ensure they're thoroughly thawed before cooking.
  • Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency. A splash helps thin out thick sauce or helps sauce cling better to pasta, creating a silky texture.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lactose-free version. Use vegan butter alternative and plant-based Parmesan to make the dish completely dairy-free and still deliciously creamy.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, increase gradually for spice lovers. For zero heat, skip pepper flakes entirely without compromising flavor.
  • Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed scallops, or white fish alongside shrimp. Perfect for increasing protein content and satisfying hearty appetites.

Serve With Lemon or Bread for Extra Balance

  • Seafood Feast Night: Invite friends over for a delightful dinner party centered around this creamy garlic shrimp pasta, creating a restaurant-style experience at home.
  • Wine Pairing Paradise: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the rich, garlicky shrimp sauce and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Colorful Side Companions: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes or roasted asparagus spears to add vibrant color and balance the richness of the pasta dish.
  • Bread Dipping Delight: Prepare garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious remaining sauce, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste.

Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture

  • Store leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Revive chilled pasta by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when warming in the microwave or skillet. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and prevent drying out, ensuring creamy consistency remains intact.
  • While cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, you can carefully store this dish for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat, stirring frequently to restore sauce smoothness.
  • Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. This method helps control serving sizes and provides convenient, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

  • What can I substitute for heavy cream if I don't have it?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, though the consistency might be slightly different.

  • Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?

No, red pepper flakes are optional. They add a subtle heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t like spicy food.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

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Iced Coffee With Kahlua And Baileys Recipe

Iced Coffee With Kahlua And Baileys Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Rich, creamy iced coffee with Kahlúa and Baileys creates a luxurious cocktail that blends smooth espresso with indulgent Irish cream liqueurs. Chilled perfection awaits coffee enthusiasts eager to elevate their afternoon pick-me-up with this spirited, sophisticated drink.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Liquor Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (354 milliliters) Kahlua
  • 12 ounces (354 milliliters) Baileys Irish Cream

Coffee Base:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) iced coffee (cold brew or chilled brewed coffee)

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (118 milliliters) milk or cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Whipped cream
  • Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Chill a tall glass by placing several ice cubes at the bottom, creating a frosty foundation for this decadent cocktail.
  2. Expertly pour the rich, velvety Kahlua liqueur over the ice, allowing it to cascade smoothly along the inner glass walls.
  3. Follow the Kahlua with a generous splash of creamy Baileys Irish Cream, creating a luxurious layered effect.
  4. Carefully introduce cold, freshly brewed coffee, filling the glass nearly to the rim and gently mixing the spirits with a long cocktail spoon.
  5. For those desiring a silkier consistency, incorporate a splash of whole milk or light cream, blending the ingredients into a harmonious mixture.
  6. Crown the cocktail with a billowing cloud of whipped cream, extending just beyond the glass rim for dramatic presentation.
  7. Elevate the visual and flavor profile by delicately dusting the cream with cocoa powder or elegant chocolate shavings.
  8. Serve immediately, presenting a sophisticated adult beverage that promises a delightful sensory experience.

Notes

  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer without diluting the flavors too quickly.
  • Use cold brew coffee for a smoother, less acidic taste that blends beautifully with the creamy liqueurs.
  • Experiment with different ratios of Kahlua, Baileys, and coffee to find your perfect balance of sweetness and strength.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, swap liqueurs with coffee syrup and cream for a delightful mocktail that still feels indulgent.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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