Description
Indulge in this luxurious Valentine Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, a creamy and aromatic dish perfect for romantic nights. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this pasta blends the freshness of basil and parsley with the comforting texture of fettuccine or linguine. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a delightful meal to share with your loved one.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Fettuccine or linguine (consider whole wheat for added health benefits)
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup Heavy cream (use coconut milk for dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan substitute)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the shrimp and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Allow it to warm through for 2 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, creating a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the shrimp throughout.
- Add herbs and season: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and cook for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for an impressive romantic meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Chicken or tofu can be used instead of shrimp to suit dietary preferences.
- Using fresh herbs significantly enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- This recipe is ideal for a cozy, intimate dinner for two.
