Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, herb-infused pasta dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, but can be prepared in your own kitchen with minimal effort. This Herbal Shrimp Cream over Pasta is a culinary magic trick that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With tender, perfectly seared shrimp nestled in a luxurious cream sauce packed with fresh herbs, this recipe proves that impressive dining doesn't require complicated techniques or hours of preparation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and wait until the oil shimmers.
- Carefully add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with shrimp.
- Simmer the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Chop fresh herbs and add them to the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the herbal cream sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor - the difference between dried and fresh herbs is significant in this recipe.
- Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly firm to maintain their tender texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Use medium-high heat when searing shrimp to get a nice color without making them rubbery.
- Add herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- If the cream sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 535kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 195mg
