Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream Recipe: Light & Tasty Dinner

Delectable shrimp pasta transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparkles with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Light and zingy, this recipe sidesteps traditional heavy cream for a surprisingly elegant meal.

Seafood lovers appreciate how quickly such a sophisticated dish comes together in one skillet.

Succulent shrimp dance among perfectly cooked pasta strands, creating harmonious taste sensations.

Bold garlic and bright lemon provide unexpected depth and complexity to each carefully crafted bite.

Simple pantry staples combine magically, elevating weeknight cooking from mundane to memorable.

Home cooks will feel like restaurant chefs preparing this vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish: get ready to impress.

Why Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream Is a Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Meal

• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Wonder: This shrimp pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Burst with Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and spicy chili flakes creates a bright, exciting taste profile that dances on your palate with every bite.
• Customize Your Seafood Dream: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap cheeses, or play with different vegetable additions while maintaining its core deliciousness and quick preparation method.
• Enjoy a Lighter Pasta Experience: Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this dish feels light and fresh, packed with protein from shrimp and bursting with colorful vegetables, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pasta recipes.

What You’ll Need for Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish, preferably a type that holds sauce well like linguine or spaghetti.

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood protein that cooks quickly and adds tender texture, choose medium-sized for best results.

• Garlic, Red Pepper: Flavor enhancers that provide depth and mild heat to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet component that adds brightness and color.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and light herbal notes.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Sweet Paprika, Chili Flakes: Spices that add warmth and subtle heat.
• Lemon Juice: Acidic element to brighten and balance the dish.

• Olive Oil: Primary cooking fat with rich flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce.
• Gouda Cheese: Provides creamy, nutty finish to the pasta.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add of spaghetti or linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Scoop out of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside in a colander.

Step 2: Season and Sear Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sweet paprika
• Red chili flakes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn vibrant pink and look plump.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 diced red bell pepper

Sauté for 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant and pepper softens slightly.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Fresh lemon juice
• Butter

Cook for 2 minutes, allowing tomatoes to warm and release their juices.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Toss cooked pasta into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Sprinkle grated Gouda cheese over the top. Gently mix everything until cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips for Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Rescue Overcooked Shrimp: Slice slightly tough shrimp into smaller pieces and fold them into the sauce to restore moisture and tenderness.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta immediately after adding to boiling water and occasionally during cooking to keep noodles separated and smooth.
• Boost Flavor Quickly: Crush garlic with the side of your knife before mincing to release more intense aromatic oils and enhance overall dish taste.
• Speed Up Chopping: Use kitchen scissors to quickly snip fresh herbs like parsley instead of slow knife chopping for faster meal preparation.
• Control Spice Levels: Keep red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the table so each person can adjust heat according to their personal preference.

How to Store Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Freezer Storage: Seal cooled pasta in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Divide into single-serving portions for quick, convenient future meals. Label each bag with the date to track freshness and consume within 2 months.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Transfer pasta to glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain optimal taste and texture. Store immediately after cooling to prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and safety.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep pasta and sauce separately when storing to prevent soggy noodles. Store sauce in a separate sealed container to maintain its original consistency. Reheat components individually for the best dining experience, ensuring pasta remains perfectly textured.

Creative Twists on Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream

• Creamy Mediterranean Seafood Blend: Swap shrimp with a mix of calamari, mussels, and scallops. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill for a Greek-inspired coastal flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Carnival: Intensify the heat by adding Cajun seasoning to the shrimp. Include andouille sausage chunks and swap Gouda for sharp cheddar to create a Louisiana-style pasta experience.
• Herb-Infused Lemony Seafood Version: Replace red pepper with zucchini ribbons. Increase lemon zest and introduce fresh basil and thyme. Use white wine instead of pasta water to create a lighter, brighter sauce base.
• Roasted Vegetable Seafood Fusion: Roast bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and garlic before adding to the pasta. Introduce grilled artichoke hearts and swap butter with olive oil for a more rustic Mediterranean approach.

Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream: A Light and Tasty Dinner

Mediterranean coastal kitchens whisper secrets through this shrimp pasta symphony.

Delicate shrimp dance with zesty peppers and bright tomatoes, creating culinary poetry on plate.

Parsley’s fresh notes harmonize with buttery undertones, while lemon’s bright kiss elevates each delectable bite.

Mediterranean simplicity shines through uncomplicated ingredients blending seamlessly.

Salt-kissed ocean flavors intertwine with garden-fresh elements, promising restaurant-quality magic at home.

You’ll marvel at how six ingredients can orchestrate such magnificent flavor – so snap that perfect food photo, share this recipe’s soulful story, and let passionate comments flow like liquid sunshine.

Easy Shrimp Pasta Without Heavy Cream Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean shrimp pasta delivers coastal Italian flavors in less than 30 minutes. Garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs elevate this quick weeknight meal that brings Mediterranean sunshine directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 350 grams (12 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ½ red pepper, finely diced (about ½ cup)
• 100 grams (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Base and Seasonings:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
• 15 grams (1 tablespoon) butter
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Grated Gouda cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a spacious pot of water to a rolling boil, generously seasoned with salt. Submerge the pasta and cook according to package guidelines until perfectly tender yet firm (al dente). Carefully extract two ladles of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta, then set aside.
2. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Generously season the shrimp with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, vibrant sweet paprika, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Gently place the seasoned shrimp into the heated pan, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a delicate pink hue and become completely opaque.
3. Introduce finely minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté the aromatics for roughly 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant essence and the peppers to soften slightly.
4. Incorporate whole cherry tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to release their juices and soften. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the mixture, then brighten the dish with a zesty squeeze of lemon juice. Introduce a pat of butter, gently stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky, cohesive sauce.
5. Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet, combining it with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Pour the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, clinging sauce that embraces each pasta strand. Thoroughly toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution. Finish by generously sprinkling grated Gouda cheese over the top and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly time your shrimp cooking to keep them tender and juicy without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Grab fresh ingredients like crisp parsley, zesty garlic, and bright lemon to elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Balance your seasonings carefully, starting with small amounts of salt, pepper, and chili, then adjusting to taste.
• Remove pasta from boiling water when it’s slightly firm, allowing it to continue cooking gently when mixed with other ingredients.
• Clean shrimp thoroughly by peeling and deveining, ensuring a clean, pure seafood taste throughout the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg