Spicy shrimp pasta recipe

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of Italian pasta and Mexican heat, perfect for those who love a flavorful and spicy dish. The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a creamy sauce infused with jalapeno and cayenne pepper will surely tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors that will make it a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or just looking for a new culinary adventure, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 medium shallots, diced
• 1 to 2 jalapenos, diced and seeded (if desired)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan and/or Romano cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and then drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large sauté pan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and jalapenos (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt to the pan. Stir for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Add White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and cook over high heat until nearly all of it has evaporated.

5. Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir occasionally until the sauce is slightly reduced and thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in half of the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until melted. Turn off the heat and keep the sauce warm.

6. Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with additional paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Heat the remaining olive oil in a separate pan and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce mixture and toss to coat. If the sauce is still too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.

8. Finish with Shrimp: Stir some of the shrimp into the pasta mixture, reserving a few for garnish. Serve the Spicy Shrimp Pasta with more grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Top Tips:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors of your dish. Choose fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs for the best results.

2. Adjust Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper to taste.

3. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so ensure you don’t overcook them. They should be pink and slightly firm to the touch.

4. Reserve Pasta Water: The pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce. Reserve it carefully to avoid losing any of the starch.

5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. Chop it just before serving for the best results.

6. Experiment with Tomatoes: Adding diced tomatoes can add a burst of flavor and color to your dish. Simply sauté them with the shallots and garlic before adding the cream sauce.

Variations:

1. Add Some Spice with Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the cayenne pepper.

2. Use Different Types of Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or ricotta for a unique flavor profile.

3. Add Some Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro can add a delightful twist to the dish. Simply chop them and stir them into the pasta mixture.

4. Make it a One-Pot Meal: Cook the pasta and sauce together in one large pot. This will save time and effort while still delivering a delicious meal.

5. Add Some Protein: If you want to make the dish more substantial, add some cooked chicken or bacon to the pasta mixture.

6. Try Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti, fettuccine, and penne work well, you can also use other pasta shapes like linguine or rotini for a different texture.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a balanced meal that combines protein from the shrimp, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the cream and olive oil. The dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals from the fresh herbs and lemon juice. To make it even healthier, consider using whole-wheat pasta or reducing the amount of heavy cream used in the sauce.