How to Make Creamy Pasta con Gamberi with Garlic Shrimp

Simple Summary

Pasta con Gamberi with Shrimp is a delightful Italian dish that combines tender pasta with succulent shrimp in a flavorful garlic and white wine sauce. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) linguine pasta
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

6. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

7. Stir in the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine and heat through.

10. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

11. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chef's Notes

• For best results, use fresh shrimp. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Don't overcook the shrimp as they can become tough. They should be just pink and opaque.
• The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit thin when first mixed with the pasta.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate): Calories: 750, Protein: 35g, Fat: 35g, Carbohydrates: 75g. This dish is rich in protein from the shrimp and provides omega-3 fatty acids. The garlic and parsley offer antioxidants, while the pasta provides energy-giving carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pasta con Gamberi hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments. For wine pairing, choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and seafood flavors. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or can be easily scaled up for a family meal or dinner party.