Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxurious, silky noodles topped with succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your date, treat your family, or simply pamper yourself with an extraordinary dinner, this Shrimp with Noodles and Cream Sauce is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of noodles, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and the noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste while cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and allow the cream to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Drain the noodles once they are cooked and add them directly to the skillet with the shrimp and cream sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the shrimp and noodles immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp with Noodles and Cream Sauce!
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and just opaque - about 3-4 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce. Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water can help you adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use medium heat when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the cream sauce or sprinkling some fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 626kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 310mg