Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta Delight
Indulge in a sumptuous blend of tender baby shrimp and al dente angel hair pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that packs a flavorful punch! This Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta Delight combines the warmth of spices with the smoothness of heavy cream, creating a dish that's sure to impress. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is quick to whip up but leaves a lasting impression. Keep in mind, the sauce is so delightful that you might want to double it for extra servings! Each bite is a luxurious experience that tantalizes your taste buds with just the right kick of heat.
4
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
garlic
3 cloves (minced, divided)
heavy cream
1 cup (for sauce)
chili powder
1.5 teaspoons (for flavoring)
ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (for heat)
red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
milk
3/4 cup (for sauce)
flour
2 tablespoons (to thicken sauce)
angel hair pasta
1 package (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Add the baby shrimp to the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same pan, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
5
Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, combine the milk and flour. Whisk well until there are no lumps.
6
Slowly add the milk-flour mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly to thicken. Allow the sauce to boil again for a minute.
7
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
8
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and mix thoroughly to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
9
Serve the creamy spicy shrimp sauce over the cooked angel hair pasta, garnished with the remaining minced garlic if desired.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Shrimp Pasta Delight?
It is a luxurious dish featuring tender baby shrimp and angel hair pasta tossed in a rich, spicy cream sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one package of angel hair pasta, cooked until al dente.
Is this shrimp pasta dish very spicy?
It has a significant kick due to the combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, the sauce is thickened using a mixture of 3/4 cup milk and 2 tablespoons of flour.
How long should I cook the baby shrimp?
Cook the baby shrimp for approximately 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
What ingredients are used for the sauce base?
The sauce base consists of heavy cream, milk, flour, and various spices.
Can I use larger shrimp instead of baby shrimp?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly until they are fully opaque.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to the pan to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What spices provide the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from a blend of chili powder, ground cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic, divided between the cooking process and garnish.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich and may require more simmering to thicken.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains approximately 37.5g of carbohydrates.
How do I prevent lumps when adding flour?
Whisk the flour and milk together in a separate small bowl until smooth before adding it to the sauce.
Should the shrimp be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 lb of baby shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the milk-flour mixture is added, let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance to speed up the process.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
The olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and shrimp to build the initial flavor profile.
Can I double the sauce recipe?
Yes, the description suggests doubling the sauce ingredients if you prefer a very saucy pasta.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the finished dish with the remaining minced garlic or fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is noted for being quick to whip up while still feeling like a special occasion meal.
How much salt is required?
Salt is added 'to taste' to ensure the seasoning is perfect for your preference.
What should I do after draining the pasta?
Set the pasta aside and reserve a small cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is recommended, you can use butter or any neutral cooking oil.
How do I know the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has simmered long enough to reach your desired thickness and the shrimp are well coated.
What is the preparation for the baby shrimp?
They should be peeled and deveined before being sautéed in the pan.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
While not in the original recipe, spinach or bell peppers would pair well with the creamy spicy sauce.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list specific fiber content.
Can I substitute the milk for a dairy-free option?
You can use unsweetened almond or soy milk, but the flavor and thickness may vary from the original recipe.