Light Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream Recipe to Savor

Shrimp pasta bursts with Mediterranean magic, turning simple ingredients into a culinary symphony of flavors.

Zesty and light, this recipe ditches heavy cream for a sophisticated twist that makes weeknight dinners feel like gourmet adventures.

Seafood enthusiasts will swoon over the lightning-fast skillet technique that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Plump shrimp waltz through al dente pasta, creating a dance of deliciousness that tantalizes every taste bud.

Punchy garlic and vibrant lemon inject unexpected excitement into each mouthwatering forkful.

Everyday pantry ingredients metamorphose into a restaurant-worthy feast that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Become the kitchen hero your family never knew they needed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 629 kcal

Servings: 4

Here’s What Builds the Flavor in Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Spaghetti, Linguine: Choose fresh, high-quality pasta with smooth surface and firm texture.

• Large Shrimp: Select plump, fresh shrimp with clean ocean scent and firm flesh.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Sweet Paprika, Red Chili Flakes: Use freshly ground spices for maximum flavor intensity.

• Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Pick firm, vibrant peppers and firm garlic bulbs without soft spots.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Parsley, Lemon, Butter: Choose ripe, bright red tomatoes and bright green parsley with no wilting.

• Gouda Cheese: Select aged Gouda with rich, nutty flavor and smooth melting quality.

Helpful Tools for Prepping Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing shrimp and sautéing ingredients.
• Paper towels: Helps pat shrimp dry for better searing.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping garlic, bell pepper, and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise mincing and chopping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Helps season shrimp with precise amounts of salt and spices.
• Grater: Used for grating Gouda cheese over the final dish.

Let’s Bring Together Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Boil Pasta Water

Grab a big pot and fill it with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a roaring boil and slide in your pasta, cooking until it’s perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

• Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Grab fresh shrimp and pat them completely dry. Sprinkle with a zesty blend of seasonings to create a flavor explosion. Heat up a skillet with olive oil and quickly sear the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color with crispy edges.

• Awaken Aromatic Base

Toss minced garlic and colorful bell peppers into the sizzling pan. Let them dance and release their vibrant flavors, creating a fragrant foundation for your dish.

• Create Flavor Symphony

Add juicy cherry tomatoes, bright parsley, a squeeze of citrusy lemon, and a pat of creamy butter. Let the ingredients mingle and create a luscious sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

• Craft the Final Masterpiece

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring gently to coat every strand with the mouthwatering sauce. Sprinkle some grated cheese on top, allowing it to melt into a creamy blanket. Give everything a final toss, and your culinary adventure is ready to be devoured!

Cooking Advice for Enhancing Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

Shrimp Pasta Cooking Tips & Variations

Replace shrimp with scallops, crab meat, or grilled chicken for a protein-packed twist. Each option brings unique flavors and textures to transform your classic pasta dish.

Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Mediterranean herb mix, or smoked paprika. These aromatic combinations will elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Explore alternative cheese options beyond Gouda. Try crumbled feta for a tangy kick, sharp pecorino for intense flavor, or creamy ricotta for a softer texture. Different cheeses create completely unique taste profiles.

Enhance nutritional value by adding quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini ribbons, spinach leaves, or asparagus tips. Toss them in during the last minute of cooking to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.

Best Ways to Present Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Garnish with Green Freshness: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil leaves on top for a burst of color and herbal aroma that brightens the entire dish.
• Pair with Crisp Companion: Serve alongside a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the richness.
• Create Texture Contrast: Add a side of crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to scoop up the silky sauce and provide a delightful crunch between bites.
• Elevate with Citrus Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the pasta just before serving to intensify the bright, tangy notes and add a sophisticated finishing touch.

Meal Prep Notes for Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Maximize Meal Prep: Batch cook shrimp pasta in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Prepare entire recipe and portion into airtight containers for convenient reheating.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Keep shrimp and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Freeze with Caution: Freeze plain pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Add splash of pasta water or olive oil when reheating to restore moisture and restore original creamy consistency. Warm slowly in skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking delicate shrimp.

Ultimate Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty shrimp pasta combines Mediterranean flavors with quick weeknight magic. Garlic, lemon, and herbs elevate this simple seafood dish for delightful dining you can enjoy without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 350 g (12 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250 g (8.8 oz) linguine pasta
• 100 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil
• 15 g (1 tbsp) butter
• ½ red pepper, finely diced (about ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tbsps)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Gouda cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until achieving the perfect al dente texture. Reserve two ladles of starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and red chili flakes. Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become translucent.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté briefly to release their vibrant flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
4. Sauce Development: Introduce cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to burst and release their natural juices. Incorporate chopped parsley, a splash of lemon juice, and a pat of butter. Gently stir to create a luxurious, silky sauce that harmonizes the ingredients.
5. Final Assembly: Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Use the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, clingy sauce that coats every strand. Sprinkle generously with grated Gouda cheese and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy liquid transforms the sauce, helping it cling perfectly to pasta and creating a silky, restaurant-quality texture without cream.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp exactly 2-3 minutes per side to avoid rubbery texture; they’re done when turning completely pink and opaque.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Season shrimp generously with spices before cooking to build deep, complex flavor profiles that infuse throughout the entire dish.
• Quick Skillet Symphony: High-heat sautéing develops rich caramelization and prevents soggy vegetables, ensuring crisp bell peppers and intensely flavored garlic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 629
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg