Imagine twirling a forkful of spaghetti coated in a luxurious creamy sauce, dotted with juicy shrimp, tender vegetables, and vibrant herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare right in your own kitchen. Spaghetti with Shrimps in a Creamy Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a love letter to comfort food. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself after a long day, this dish is bound to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has all the elements of an unforgettable meal:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The sauce is velvety and indulgent, with a hint of garlic and cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
- Elegant and Impressive: Despite being easy to make, it’s a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Peeled shrimps | 400g |
Black pepper | To taste |
Paprika | To taste |
Olive oil | For frying |
Spaghetti | 300g |
Salt | To taste |
Butter | 25-30g |
Onion (chopped) | 1 |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Mushrooms (sliced) | 250g |
Sweet peppers (chopped) | 3 small |
Chili pepper (chopped) | 1 |
Cherry tomatoes | 300g, halved |
Milk cream | 250ml |
Dill (chopped) | A bunch |
Cheese (grated) | 100g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Spaghetti and Shrimps
Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Season the Shrimps
- In a bowl, toss the peeled shrimps with black pepper and paprika to season them evenly.
Cook the Shrimps
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimps and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimps from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Making the Creamy Sauce
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Add Peppers and Tomatoes
- Add the chopped sweet peppers and chili pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Create the Creamy Base
- Pour in the milk cream, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting it thicken slightly.
Incorporate the Cheese
- Add the grated cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
3. Combining Everything
Mix in the Shrimps
- Return the cooked shrimps to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce.
Toss with Spaghetti
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Finish with Dill
- Stir in the chopped dill for a burst of freshness and flavor.
4. Serving the Dish
Plate the Dish
- Divide the spaghetti and shrimps into serving plates.
- Garnish with extra dill and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, indulgent pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
This dish brings together the best of everything:
- The Shrimp: Juicy and perfectly seasoned, they provide a delicate seafood flavor.
- The Sauce: The creamy, garlicky base is elevated by the melted cheese and a hint of paprika.
- The Vegetables: Sweet peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes add texture, color, and flavor.
- The Dill: Fresh dill ties everything together with its bright and aromatic notes.
The result is a well-balanced, restaurant-quality meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fats | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|
550 kcal | 35 g | 45 g | 22 g | 5 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimps
Shrimps cook quickly. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, dill, and cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer.
4. Customize the Heat
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili pepper. For extra spice, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
5. Choose Quality Cheese
A good-quality grated cheese, like Parmesan or Gruyère, will add depth to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- A Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- A Glass of Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimps?
Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
2. Can I replace cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
3. What other pasta can I use?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well if you don’t have spaghetti.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the shrimp with tofu, roasted vegetables, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli would make great additions to this dish.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti with Shrimps in a Creamy Sauce is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, easy to make yet impressive to serve. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh vegetables, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients and bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintSpaghetti with Shrimps in a Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Luxurious spaghetti meets tender shrimps in a creamy, cheesy sauce with vibrant vegetables and fresh dill. This dish is quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 400g peeled shrimps
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 300g spaghetti
- Salt, to taste
- 25–30g butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 3 small sweet peppers, chopped
- 1 chili pepper, chopped
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 250ml milk cream
- A bunch of dill, chopped
- 100g cheese, grated
Instructions
-
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente as per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Season and Cook the Shrimps
- Toss peeled shrimps with black pepper and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimps for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until tender.
- Add sweet peppers, chili pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
-
Create the Sauce Base
- Pour in milk cream and stir. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add grated cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
-
Combine Everything
- Return cooked shrimps to the skillet and mix.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring it is well-coated in the sauce.
-
Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh dill for a burst of flavor.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra dill and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh dill and cherry tomatoes for a brighter flavor.
- Adjust the chili pepper for more or less spice.
- To thin the sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired