Okay, so you’re starving, right? And you want something amazing, but you definitely don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I totally get it! That’s where this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights, or even if you’re trying to impress someone special (wink, wink!). It’s everything you want in a meal: seriously delicious, super simple, and ready faster than you can say “bon appétit!”
I remember the first time I made this. It was a total game-changer. I was a student, and I had a date waiting (pressure!), and I had *zero* time. Then I remembered a recipe I’d seen somewhere… This pasta? It saved the night, and trust me, it’ll be a winner for you too! This recipe creates a perfect romantic dinner, or even a super simple lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two
Okay, friends, let me tell you why this recipe is the BEST. Seriously, it’s a winner:
- Super Fast: From zero to dinner in about 30 minutes!
- Ridiculously Easy: Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ve got this!
- Flavor Explosion: That garlic and Parmesan combo is pure magic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Cozy weeknight dinner? Absolutely. Romantic date night? You bet!
- Minimal Cleanup: Because who wants to do dishes after a great meal? Not me!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This part’s a breeze, I promise. You’ll need:
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I love linguine, but spaghetti or fettuccine works great too!
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen is fine, but I usually go for fresh if I can.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- 1/4 cup of butter. Unsalted, please!
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – the good stuff!
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Salt and pepper, to taste. Season generously!
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. Because presentation matters!
That’s it! See? Easy peasy!
Equipment Needed for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Okay, so don’t let this list scare you—it’s super simple! You’ll need:
- A large pot for the pasta
- A skillet or large pan for the shrimp and sauce
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A knife and cutting board for chopping (garlic and parsley)
- Measuring cups and spoons
That’s it! Easy, right?
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, buckle up, because this is the easiest pasta dish *ever*. Seriously, even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you’ve got this! Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time:
- Get That Pasta Cookin’: First things first, get a large pot of salted water boiling. You’ll want it to taste like the sea! Then, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. Don’t go crazy and overcook it, friends! You’re aiming for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it.
- Shrimp Time: While the pasta’s doing its thing, heat your olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Careful, it splatters! Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of your shrimp.
- Garlic Power: Once the shrimp are pink, add your minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter!
- Butter & Cheese Magic: Now, stir in that delicious butter and Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and create a lovely, saucy coating! Stir, stir, stir!
- Season & Toss: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- Garnish & Devour: Finally, garnish it with that fresh, chopped parsley. Then, get ready to dig in and enjoy your incredible bowl of Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta!
Seriously, it’s that simple! You got this!
Tips for Success with Your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Okay, friends, wanna make sure your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips I’ve learned from my own kitchen adventures (and sometimes, disasters!):
First off, if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure you thaw it completely before you cook it! Otherwise, you’ll end up with a watery mess. Also, if you want perfectly cooked pasta, don’t overcook it! Always aim for al dente—it should have a little bite. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
And my personal tip? Always, *always* have extra Parmesan on hand. You’ll thank me later. Seriously. You just can’t have too much Parmesan!
Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Because sometimes, you gotta make do with what you’ve got, right? Don’t stress if you don’t have *exactly* what I listed. We can make this work!
First, the pasta! I love linguine, but honestly, any long pasta will work. Spaghetti, fettuccine, even bucatini would be delish. If you’re feeling fancy, try a whole wheat version for a little extra fiber. Next, the shrimp! Fresh is amazing, but frozen is perfectly fine – just thaw it first, as I mentioned. For the cheese? Real Parmesan is key. But, if you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a good, salty, substitute. Bonus – add a little more garlic for extra flavor, or try some dried parsley if you’re out of fresh. Experiment, and have fun!
Variations to Spice Up Your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two
Okay, friends, let’s get creative! This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a blank canvas, ready for you to get your chef on. Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Like lemon? Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice at the end. For veggies, try adding some steamed broccoli florets or some sautéed mushrooms. Add some grilled chicken for extra protein. Or, if you’re a pesto lover (like me!), swirl in a spoonful of pesto at the end. Let me know what you make! I’d love some inspiration.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Alright, now that you’ve got this amazing pasta, what should you serve with it? I’ve got you, friends! Here are some ideas to make an entire meal:
For a perfect pairing, maybe start with a simple Caprese salad (fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze—yum!). Or, if you want something light, a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is always a winner. And for drinks? A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a nice chilled glass of rosé is SO perfect with the flavors in the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two
Just a heads up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, okay? It can change depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take it with a grain of salt (pun intended!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Got questions, my friends? I figured you might! Here are a few things I get asked all the time about my Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta. Let’s get these answered, stat!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! I almost always use frozen shrimp! Just make sure you thaw them completely before cooking. I usually put them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a few minutes. Make sure to pat them dry before adding them to your pan, or the water will make the oil splatter. Nobody wants that!
What kind of pasta is best?
Honestly? Any kind you like! I usually go for linguine or spaghetti because they’re great with the sauce. But fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne would work. Just make sure the pasta you choose is something that will hold the sauce well. Cook your pasta al dente to get the best results!
How can I make this spicier?
Easy peasy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. You could even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Taste as you go, and add more if you need to. Careful, it can get HOT fast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Pasta
So, you somehow have leftovers? Wow! (I never seem to). If by chance you do, here’s how to keep that Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta tasting amazing the next day.
Store your leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 2-3 days. To reheat, I like to add a splash of water, maybe a tablespoon or two, to a pan on the stovetop. It helps rehydrate the pasta. Then, heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you have some extra Parmesan, add a little more on serving!
Ready to Make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two?
Okay, besties, what are you waiting for? Seriously! Go make this pasta! Trust me, it’s a winner! When you make it, I want to hear all about it! Rate the recipe and drop a comment below. Tell me what you thought, what you changed, all of it! Happy cooking!
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Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta for Two
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and easy pasta dish with shrimp, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and sauce.
- Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust garlic to your preference.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
