The Ultimate Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce Recipe
Creamy white shrimp spaghetti dances with delicate flavors that promise an elegant dinner experience.
Mediterranean coastal traditions inspired this simple yet sophisticated meal.
Home cooks can easily master this delightful combination of tender seafood and silky sauce.
Crisp herbs and delicate shrimp create magical moments around the dinner table.
Each twirled forkful brings comfort and excitement to your plate.
Sea-kissed ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a restaurant-quality dish you can craft in minutes.
Prepare to impress with this foolproof recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something spectacular.
Why Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Feels Fancy
Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Ingredients
Pasta and Main Protein:Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:Seasonings and Garnish:How To Cook Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce
Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly
Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop the spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until it’s tender yet slightly firm. Scoop out some pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will be your secret sauce helper later.
Step 2: Sizzle Those Succulent Shrimp
Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil. Toss in the shrimp and let them dance in the pan. Watch them transform from gray to a beautiful pink in just a few minutes. Once they’re cooked through, rescue them from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Cream Sauce
Infuse the same skillet with magic:Swirl these together until the kitchen fills with mouth-watering aromas. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky blanket of deliciousness. Season with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Reunite the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every strand is coated in the luxurious sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Plate your creation and shower it with fresh chopped parsley. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and inviting.
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Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce FAQs
Jumbo or large shrimp are perfect for this dish. They cook quickly, have a tender texture, and look beautiful when served. Medium-sized shrimp also work well if jumbo aren’t available.
Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent alternatives. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well and has a similar cooking time.
While white wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, you can substitute it with chicken broth or extra pasta water if you prefer not to use alcohol. The key is maintaining the overall liquid balance in the recipe.
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. Cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side ensures they remain tender and juicy.
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Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Luxurious spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce brings Italian coastal elegance to dinner tables. Silky noodles intertwine with succulent seafood, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Seasoning and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Water and salt (for boiling)
Instructions
- Immerse spaghetti in a generously salted water bath, allowing it to dance and soften until perfectly tender. Carefully extract a modest portion of the starchy liquid before straining the pasta.
- Awaken shrimp in a sizzling pan with olive oil, transforming them from translucent to a vibrant pink. Gently transfer the succulent morsels to a waiting plate once they’ve achieved a delicate opaque gleam.
- Infuse the same skillet with aromatic garlic and fiery red chili flakes, releasing their intense fragrance for a brief moment. Deglaze the pan with a splash of crisp white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its essence.
- Introduce velvety heavy cream to the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Whisk in delicate Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, silky embrace.
- Elevate the sauce with a bright squeeze of lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Reunite the cooked spaghetti and perfectly prepared shrimp within the creamy sauce, gently folding them together to ensure complete coverage.
- Scatter fresh parsley across the dish, adding a final flourish of color and brightness. Present immediately, with additional Parmesan available for enthusiastic sprinklers.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti.
- Seafood Precision: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, which happens quickly in about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Sauce Consistency Control: Lower heat when adding cream to prevent splitting, and use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth, creamy finish.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 668 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Emily Morgan
Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.
Education
New York University
Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.
Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.
Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.