How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery in seafood pasta?

Shrimp cook very quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. For the best creamy seafood pasta, cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan while finishing the sauce to prevent overcooking. Adding them back at the end keeps them tender. Using medium shrimp also helps maintain better texture than very small shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this shrimp pasta recipe. Make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture can water down your buttery garlic sauce. Look for raw, deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Avoid precooked shrimp since reheating can make them tough.

What pasta works best for seafood pasta recipes?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine and fettuccine also work beautifully. Long noodles hold onto the creamy garlic sauce and shrimp well. Short pasta like penne can be used, but the sauce may not coat it as evenly. For a more elegant presentation, linguine is often preferred in Italian seafood pasta dishes.

Can I make this pasta without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with additional olive oil for a lighter shrimp pasta dish. However, butter adds richness and depth to the sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. The result will be slightly less creamy but still flavorful.

How do I thicken seafood pasta sauce without cream?

Reserved pasta water is the secret to a silky sauce. The starch in the water helps bind the butter and olive oil into a light sauce. Toss the pasta vigorously in the skillet to emulsify everything together. You can also add a small amount of grated Parmesan, which naturally thickens the seafood pasta sauce.

Irresistible Creamy Seafood Pasta in 30 Minutes

Name: Ultimate Creamy Seafood Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb spaghetti; 6–8 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

Ultimate Creamy Seafood Pasta

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This creamy seafood pasta features tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and Italian seasonings for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Author: Chef Alex
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

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1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb spaghetti
6–8 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
Pat shrimp dry. Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet.
Sauté garlic briefly, then return shrimp to skillet.
Add cooked pasta, seasonings, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
Toss until coated, adding more pasta water as needed. Garnish and serve.

Notes

Add Parmesan for extra flavor. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cups
Calories: 620
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 68 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg

Find it online: https://www.adorarecipes.com/creamy-seafood-pasta/