Introduction
Transform a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience with this creamy shrimp and scallop pasta recipe! Busy schedules shouldn’t mean sacrificing delicious, satisfying meals. This recipe is designed for speed and ease, delivering incredible flavor in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe a date!) with minimal effort.
Why This Works
This recipe hits the sweet spot of flavor and speed. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent without being heavy, perfectly complementing the delicate sweetness of the shrimp and scallops. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your pantry staples, making it supremely versatile.
Key Ingredients
- 🍝 1 pound linguine pasta
- 🦐 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🐚 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook linguine according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes per side.
4️⃣ Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a creamier sauce.
6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Pat your scallops dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp and scallops; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. High heat will burn the garlic and onion before they soften, while low heat will result in overcooked seafood. Maintain a consistent medium heat throughout the cooking process for optimal results.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a creamy, decadent texture, you can add a bit of crunch by topping with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use pre-minced garlic to save time.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley (use about 1 tablespoon).
Storage Tips
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream if needed.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for a potluck or a casual dinner party. You could package individual servings in attractive containers, tied with a ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine to the sauce.
🌟 Lemon-Garlic Delight: Increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and add extra garlic.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream.
🌟 Mediterranean Medley: Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
- Seafood is overcooked: Reduce cooking time and ensure the heat is not too high.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a little more pasta water or cream.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Can I substitute other pasta shapes? Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work well.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce is best made fresh, but you can cook the pasta and seafood ahead of time and combine just before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp and Scallop Pasta recipe proves that a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. We hope you enjoy this quick and easy recipe! Share your culinary creations with us on [link to Ratemyrecipes]! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious shrimp scampi pasta with a creamy sauce that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautu00e9 for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix well to coat them in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use shrimp that are marinated or seasoned before cooking.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.