Pasta cremosa con gambas al ajo en 20 minutos

Ingredientes

• 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count)
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for seasoning shrimp and pasta water)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparación

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than recommended). Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

5. 5

   Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, whisking constantly to combine with the butter and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

6. 6

   Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

7. 7

   Add the cooked pasta and the seared shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently with tongs, allowing the sauce to coat every strand of pasta and every piece of shrimp. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

8. 8

   Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.