Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Fettuccine
Recipe Overview
Overview
This creamy shrimp pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress. The dish begins with sautéing shrimp in a mixture of butter and olive oil, allowing them to caramelize beautifully. The addition of garlic infuses the oil with a fragrant aroma, setting the stage for the rich sauce to come. Once the shrimp are cooked, they are set aside while the pasta is prepared.
The real star of this dish is the creamy sauce made from heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. As the cheese melts into the cream, it creates a luscious coating for the fettuccine. The reserved pasta water is a clever addition, helping to achieve the perfect consistency for the sauce. This technique ensures that every strand of pasta is enveloped in that rich, creamy goodness.
To finish, the shrimp are returned to the pan, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the sauce. A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh touch, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this creamy shrimp pasta is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan.
Add 1 lb (450g) of shrimp to the pan.
Fry shrimp over medium heat for about 3 minutes until caramelized.
Season shrimp with salt and black pepper.
Tip: Season shrimp with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Add ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Flip the shrimp over to the other side.
Cook for a further 2 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same frying pan, add 1 more tbsp of butter.
Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
Finely chop or grate 2 cloves of garlic.
Cook garlic in the pan for half a minute until fragrant.
Tip: Cook garlic until fragrant to release its flavor.
Add 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper.
Add 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and mix well.
Drain pasta when al dente, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Grate 3/4 cup (50 g) of the Parmesan cheese.
Stir gently until the cheese has melted.
Add a little of the remaining pasta water.
Cook over medium heat for a minute.
Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary for the best flavor.
Add the pasta and mix well with the sauce.
Return the shrimp to the frying pan.
Allow shrimp to warm up and be nicely coated in the sauce.
Add parsley for garnish.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Chop 3 garlic cloves and add half of the chopped garlic.
Sauté until tender, about 30 seconds.
Add 1/2 pound (225 g) medium shrimp to the pan.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté until shrimp turns pink all over, 2-3 minutes.
Set aside the shrimp.
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add the rest of the garlic.
Add 1/2 yellow onion.
Add onion and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the onion and garlic, stirring frequently, until onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently while cooking onion and garlic to prevent burning.
Add 1-2 large beefsteak tomatoes.
Add 1 green bell pepper.
Add 2 tbsp tomato paste.
Add 1/2 tsp harissa paste to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 tsp ras el hanout (optional), 1/4 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low.
Tip: Cover the pan while simmering to retain moisture and flavor.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Set the shrimp on top of the sauce.
Using a spoon, make shallow craters in the tomato mixture for the eggs.
Crack the eggs into the craters.
Season with salt.
Cover and let simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to your liking.
Serve with baguette, which can be toasted if desired.
Tip: Serve with toasted baguette for added texture.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Shellfish
→ Substitution: Chicken or Tofu
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Fettuccine is a type of pasta that pairs well with creamy sauces.
- •Using reserved pasta water helps to create a silky sauce.
- •Shrimp cooks quickly, making it a great protein choice for fast meals.
- •Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
