Cayenne Cream Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering dish packed with bold flavors and vibrant colors. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the heat from cayenne pepper, and the sweetness of red bell peppers. This shrimp pasta dish is not only delicious, but also quick and easy to prepare.
Why You Should Make This Shrimp Pasta
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy whipping cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Customizable Heat Level: The cayenne pepper brings a mild heat, that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
- Packed with Fresh Ingredients: From sweet red bell peppers to fragrant fresh basil, this dish is full of vibrant, fresh flavors.
- Perfect for Seafood Lovers: Juicy shrimp add a touch of elegance, and a satisfying protein to this creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine or Linguine: Easily substitute with spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Shrimp: Replace with scallops, chicken, or a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Red Bell Peppers: Substitute with roasted red peppers for a slightly smoky flavor, yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar sweetness, or even sautéed zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
- Chicken Stock: Use vegetable stock for a lighter, plant-based alternative, or substitute with seafood stock for an even richer flavor. You can also use white wine for a touch of acidity and depth.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Swap for half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padono for a different flavor profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the heat level to your liking or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Prepare Cayenne Cream Shrimp Pasta
- Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Start a large pot of water boiling for the pasta.
- Melt the butter in a deep sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the red bell pepper strips and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- While the peppers sauté, drop the pasta in the boiling water. Be sure to salt the water.
- Pour the chicken stock into the pepper mixture. Cover. Allow the peppers soften for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce.
- Once the shrimp have turned slightly pink, but are not fully cooked, transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the sauce, tossing to coat. The shrimp will continue cooking.
- Stir in the fresh basil.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Serve this Creamy Cayenne Shrimp Pasta with a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette and garlic bread, or a warm baguette for sopping up the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
More Shrimp Pasta Recipes to Love
- Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Tomatoes
- Easy Pasta with Shrimp and Tomatoes
- Orzo with Pesto Grilled Shrimp
Cayenne Cream Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cayenne Cream Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering shrimp pasta dish that is not only delicious, but also quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn, plus more for garnish
- Cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Start a large pot of water boiling for the pasta.
- Melt the butter in a deep sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the red bell pepper strips and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- While the peppers sauté, drop the pasta in the boiling water. Be sure to salt the water.
- Pour the chicken stock into the pepper mixture. Cover. Allow the peppers soften for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce.
- Once the shrimp have turned slightly pink, but are not fully cooked, transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the sauce, tossing to coat. The shrimp will continue cooking.
- Stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Timing is everything to ensure this shrimp pasta recipe comes out perfectly.
- Start boiling the pasta after you start sautéing the peppers to ensure the pasta is al dente when transferring to the sauce.
- Try not to overcook the shrimp. Add the pasta directly from the pot as the shrimp start to turn pink. The shrimp will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Seafood
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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