Description
This Shrimp Pasta recipe combines thick spaghetti with juicy extra large shrimp, garlic, fresh cracked black pepper, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese to create a creamy, flavorful dish that cooks in just 30 minutes. The pasta is finished in a peppery garlic butter sauce with parmesan, making it a perfect quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ pound thick spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 lemon juiced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
For Garnishing
- fresh chopped parsley
- fresh cracked black pepper
- shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes. The pasta may not be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking later. Do not drain the pasta; reserve the pasta water for the sauce.
- Roast Pepper and Garlic: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cracked black pepper and roast for 2 minutes to release its aroma. Then, grate the garlic cloves directly into the pan and stir, cooking until fragrant about 1 minute.
- Add Pasta Water Carefully: Very carefully add ½ cup of the reserved hot pasta water to the frying pan. Stir well, being cautious of the boiling and steaming water.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese with ¼ cup of pasta water and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese softens and becomes a smooth sauce.
- Add Pasta to Pan: Remove the pasta from the water and add it directly into the frying pan. Pour another ½ cup of pasta water in and stir well. Add a pinch of black pepper and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir continuously for 3 minutes to finish cooking the pasta and blend flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Push the pasta to one side of the pan and add the butter to the empty side. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp. Cook for 1 minute on one side, then turn and cook for another 1 minute. The shrimp is done when opaque and reaches 145 °F internally.
- Turn Off Heat: Turn off the heat but keep the pan on the burner to maintain warmth.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared parmesan and lemon cheese mixture into the pasta. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, additional cracked black pepper, and shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Add Salt and Store Leftovers: Add salt to taste before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce that binds the cheese and pasta together.
- Do not fully cook pasta initially to avoid overcooking when finishing it in the pan.
- Use fresh cracked black pepper for a strong aromatic flavor that enhances the dish.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque for tender texture; avoid overcooking to prevent rubberiness.
- Adding lemon juice to cheese sauce balances richness with a bright, fresh flavor.
- Butter adds a silky texture and richness to the sauce; salted butter helps season the dish.
- The dish should be served immediately to maintain creaminess and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
