This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! Juicy shrimp are cooked to perfection and then tossed in a creamy sauce bursting with flavor from fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Let’s be honest, folks. Weeknights can be a battle zone. Between work, errands, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. But then your stomach growls, the “hangry” monster emerges, and take-out starts looking mighty appealing.
Fear not, my weary warriors! Because tonight, we’re taking a stand against the weeknight blues with a recipe that’s so easy and delicious, it’ll become your new hero: Creamy Shrimp Pasta. This isn’t just any pasta dish, though. This is a flavor bomb that explodes with juicy shrimp, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and a hint of spice that’ll have you wondering where this magic came from.
The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Dinnertime doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. This recipe is my weeknight savior, and trust me, it’ll become yours too. So, ditch the takeout menus, grab your favorite apron (or sweatpants, no judgment here!), and let’s whip up some creamy shrimp pasta magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
- Packed with Protein: Shrimp is a lean protein source that will keep you feeling satisfied.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The sauce is rich and creamy, with a delicious balance of garlic, parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, use a different type of pasta, or experiment with different spices.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- 20-30 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of pasta (your favorite kind)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, and half of the lemon pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the reserved pasta water, remaining lemon pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (optional) and serve immediately.
Tips
- For a richer sauce, you can use full-fat heavy cream.
- If you don’t have pepper jack cheese, you can substitute it with another type of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- You can add your favorite vegetables to this recipe, such as broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They will become tough and rubbery.
- Be sure to use grated parmesan cheese, not pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight!
