Savor the taste of the coast with this Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Pasta, a dish that brings together the classic flavors of Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and succulent shrimp. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, offering a delightful blend of spices and creamy pasta. With just the right amount of heat and zest, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Squeeze in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Prepare
This dish comes together quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. The key to a perfect sauce is balancing the creaminess with the bright acidity of the lemon juice and the savory spice of Old Bay seasoning. The reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- What type of pasta works best? Linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti are great choices for this dish.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus would make excellent additions.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Is Old Bay seasoning necessary? Old Bay gives this dish its distinctive flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.