Herbed Shrimp And Pasta
Creamy herbed shrimp and pasta combine tender seafood with fresh herbs and a rich sauce, perfect for a flavorful, elegant meal suited for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp; set aside.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain and keep warm.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; add shrimp and garlic.
- Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly; remove shrimp and set aside, reserving garlic and butter in the skillet.
- Add half and half to the skillet; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer about 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked shrimp, chopped parsley, dill, and salt; stir until blended.
- Serve over the cooked angel hair pasta, garnished with steamed or sautéed red, green, and yellow pepper strips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the garlic. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried parsley and dill can be substituted, but use about one-third of the amount. This dish can also be enhanced with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For an alternative, try pairing it with Fish Italiano for a delightful seafood dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this herbed shrimp and pasta dish warm, garnished with colorful strips of sautéed peppers for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a variation, check out Pasta With Shrimp And Peas for a different take on shrimp pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can add a splash of half and half or broth to help maintain moisture and creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Shrimp And Pasta contains roughly 233 calories, with 20g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet.
What if I don’t have half and half?
If you don't have half and half, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, using just whole milk will work, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the angel hair pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many great options available today made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary from traditional pasta.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).