shrimp pasta for date night
This creamy shrimp pasta is the perfect cozy-meets-romantic meal — garlicky, rich, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a spontaneous weeknight treat or a thoughtful date-night dinner, it’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta Pot
- Tongs
- Zester
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, rigatoni, or bucatini
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil finely sliced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano and basil
- 0.5 cup dry white wine or low-sodium broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 lemon zest and 2 tsp juice
- 0.25 cup chopped basil or parsley
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove to a plate.
- Lower heat and add butter. Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine or broth, scraping up any bits. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan gradually until smooth. Loosen with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together with a splash of pasta water until glossy.
- Top with fresh herbs, more Parmesan, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
To lighten it up, swap half the cream for Greek yogurt (added off heat). For reheating, use low heat and a splash of cream or water to restore texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 230mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg
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