Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Spicy Shrimp Linguine?
The main protein is one pound of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined.
How much linguine do I need for this recipe?
You will need one pound of uncooked linguine.
How long should the linguine be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions for 10-12 minutes until it is al dente.
What should I do before draining the pasta?
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
How is the shrimp seasoned?
The shrimp is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What fats are used to sear the shrimp?
The recipe calls for a combination of 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long does it take to sear the shrimp?
Sear the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What aromatics are sautéed after the shrimp is removed?
Sauté 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup of finely chopped jalapeños.
How long should I sauté the onions and jalapeños?
Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
When should the garlic be added to the pan?
Add the minced garlic after the onions and jalapeños have sautéed, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How much heavy cream is used for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
What seasonings are added to the heavy cream?
Add 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and fresh black pepper.
How long should the cream mixture simmer?
Simmer for about 2 minutes until the cream thickens and reduces by half.
What type of cheese provides the rich creaminess in this dish?
A combination of 1 cup grated Monterey Jack pepper cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese is used.
What kind of tomatoes are included?
The recipe includes 1 cup of diced tomatoes.
When do I add the cooked linguine back into the sauce?
Add the pasta back to the pan along with the shrimp, tomatoes, and reserved pasta water after the cream has reduced.
How long do I cook the combined ingredients at the end?
Toss everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.
What fresh herb is used as a garnish?
The dish is finished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil leaves.
What size pan is recommended for this recipe?
A 12-inch sauté pan is recommended for preparing the sauce and shrimp.
How much kosher salt is used for the pasta water?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of kosher salt in the boiling water for the pasta.
What kind of pepper cheese is specified?
The recipe specifies Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Is the butter used salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the total amount of creole seasoning used?
A total of 2 tablespoons is used: one for the shrimp and one for the sauce.
How much black pepper is added to the sauce?
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is added.
What should be the consistency of the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before seasoning and searing.
What is the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the linguine and adjusts the consistency.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, it features jalapeños, creole seasoning, and Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Should the cheese be added while the pan is still on the heat?
The instructions suggest removing the pan from the heat before stirring in the cheeses.