- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Cream:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add Shrimp and Parmesan:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until the shrimp are warmed through and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley:
- Stir in the fresh parsley and squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. Toss everything together once more to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the garlic shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley, lemon wedges for squeezing, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Tips:
- Shrimp Size: Use large or extra-large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Adjust the garlic according to your taste; more garlic will add a stronger flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce will thicken upon standing, so it’s best to serve this dish immediately. If needed, loosen the sauce with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a wonderfully balanced dish, combining the richness of the cream and Parmesan with the freshness of lemon and parsley. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.