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If you’re craving something that delivers luxurious comfort with a burst of freshness, this Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender, succulent shrimp nestled in a velvety Gruyere cheese sauce, perfectly coating al dente orecchiette pasta. The sweet pop of green peas adds a lovely color and texture contrast, creating a dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s rich, flavorful, yet surprisingly simple to make — perfect for those nights when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but so essential in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. From the creamy Gruyere that melts into dreamy sauce, to the fresh shrimp and sweet peas that brighten every bite, each one plays a key role in making this meal truly special.
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta: Its cup-shaped texture clings beautifully to the creamy sauce for every luscious bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the shrimp and start your sauce with depth.
- 1½ pounds medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, offering tender, slightly sweet bites.
- 4 tablespoons dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and slight pungency.
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle kick to elevate the flavor without overpowering.
- ¼ cup flour: Essential for thickening the decadent sauce just right.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended): Creates a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese: Brings nutty, melty goodness to every forkful.
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed: Adds a fresh pop of color and sweet bursts that brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the orecchiette pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture—that perfect bite that’s tender but still has some firmness. Once cooked, drain it well to prevent any excess water from diluting your creamy sauce. Having the pasta ready and waiting is key for a smooth finish later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat — the aroma that will come from this is already making your kitchen inviting! Add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes until they turn pink and slightly firm but still juicy. Stir in the white wine, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper, letting everything mingle and reduce slightly. This step infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor while creating a tasty cooking liquid. Remove the shrimp and their juices from the pan and set aside; you’ll add them back soon.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and salt. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds to toast the flour, which will help avoid any raw flour taste and give your sauce a richer flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then cook until it thickens slightly—about a minute. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until it melts luxuriously into a silky sauce. This cheese sauce is the heart of the dish, wrapping every bite in creamy, nutty goodness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Peas
It’s time for the grand union! Add the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and the thawed green peas right into the sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with that irresistible creamy sauce. Warm it through on low heat just to marry the flavors perfectly and keep it piping hot. Now you have a dish that’s vibrant, velvety, and bursting with different textures and tastes!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A light zest of lemon adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness and brightens every bite. If you enjoy a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs can add delightful texture contrast as well.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a more substantial meal, roasted asparagus or lightly steamed broccoli make bright, fresh accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe in individual shallow bowls to highlight the dish’s colors. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a touch more melted Gruyere on top before serving. You can also nestle a few whole shrimp on top as a visual centerpiece—this not only looks inviting but shows off the star ingredient wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal without extra effort.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the shrimp and creaminess of the sauce, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Just know that peas and shrimp might change texture slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orecchiette?
Absolutely! While orecchiette’s shape holds the sauce beautifully, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine for a slightly different texture. Just cook according to package instructions to maintain the right firmness.
Is Gruyere cheese essential, or can I use other cheeses?
Gruyere adds a wonderful nutty richness, but you can substitute it with fontina, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil and use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese substitute. The texture might differ, but you can still achieve a creamy and satisfying sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly—about 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque with a slight firmness. Overcooking will make them tough, so watch closely and remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Add them during the sauce-making step or just before combining everything to keep their colors bright and textures tender-crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t recommend it enough. It brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any meal, all in a single skillet. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, give it a try—you might just find your new signature dish!
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Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy shrimp pasta with peas is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender sautéed shrimp, al dente orecchiette pasta, and a luscious Gruyere cheese sauce. Enhanced with a touch of white wine and a hint of cayenne pepper, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for seafood and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta (cooked al dente)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ pounds medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to turn pink. Stir in the dry white wine, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper, cooking until the shrimp are fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp along with any pan juices and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the flour and salt, cooking for about 30 seconds to toast the flour lightly. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for approximately 1 minute until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp and their reserved juices, and thawed peas to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine. Cook over low heat just until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Immediately serve the creamy shrimp pasta warm, garnished optionally with extra cheese or freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Cooking the shrimp quickly over medium-high heat prevents them from becoming rubbery.
- Using Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, rich flavor but you can substitute with Swiss cheese if necessary.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Thaw the peas beforehand to ensure even heating and texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
