Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta
Are you ready to take your pasta game to the next level? This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the freshness of cilantro and lime with the delightful taste of succulent shrimp. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta is not just another pasta dish. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of lime and cilantro brings a refreshing burst that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Ingredient Rundown
To whip up this delicious Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: These will be the star of your dish, providing a juicy and tender protein.
- 4 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the shrimp and creating a rich, flavorful base.
- 5-7 cloves garlic, minced: This will add depth and aroma to your dish.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice: To bring a zesty freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves: Adds a burst of color and flavor that’s essential in this recipe.
- 12 ounces small dried pasta: Choose your favorite type; small shapes like penne or farfalle work well.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For a creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, gather the following kitchen essentials:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: To sauté the shrimp and make the sauce.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
- Citrus juicer: To easily extract lime juice.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Step-by-Step: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the small dried pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Add Shrimp to the Skillet
Add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the fresh lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the shrimp and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Cilantro
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro leaves. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta in bowls, garnishing with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish!
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for low-carb or keto-friendly alternatives, consider these options:
- Zucchini Noodles: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Shirataki Noodles: These are a popular low-carb substitute that can mimic the texture of pasta.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve the shrimp and sauce over cauliflower rice for a hearty, low-carb meal.
- Skip the Cream: Use a low-carb cream substitute or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
Behind the Recipe
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta was inspired by the need for quick, flavorful meals that don’t compromise on taste. The combination of shrimp, lime, and cilantro is a nod to the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine, making it a favorite among many. The rich, creamy sauce balances the zesty notes perfectly, creating a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp and sauce in advance and store them separately from the pasta. Here are some storage tips:
1. Cool the shrimp and sauce completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
2. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve to prevent it from becoming mushy.
3. Reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. It’s best to do this in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a quicker option.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and shrimp. Adjust the amount to your heat preference!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta can be meal prepped. Just follow the make-ahead tips, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go for the week!
The Takeaway
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. With its quick preparation and impressive taste, it’s a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the small dried pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the fresh lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the shrimp and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro leaves. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta in bowls, garnishing with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- This dish can be made ahead; store shrimp and sauce separately from pasta.
- Fresh cilantro is key for flavor; don't skip it!
