If you are craving a dish that combines luscious cream, tender shrimp, and vibrant peas all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe. It’s a deliciously comforting meal that feels fancy enough for guests but is simple and quick enough for a weeknight dinner. The blend of Gruyere cheese and a touch of cayenne gives it just the right kick, while the peas add a refreshing pop of color and sweetness to every bite. Once you try this dish, it’s sure to become your new favorite go-to pasta, impressing anyone lucky enough to join you at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy texture from the cheese, the savory punch from the shrimp, or the fresh pop from the peas. Every element contributes to a perfectly balanced and satisfying dish you’ll love making again and again.
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta: Its cup-like shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the shrimp to perfection.
- 1 ½ pounds medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 4 tablespoons dry white wine: Brings a subtle acidity that brightens the shrimp and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle heat that elevates without overpowering.
- ¼ cup flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce to silky perfection.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred): Creates the rich, smooth base for the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese: Melts into a nutty, gooey dream that clings to the pasta and shrimp.
- 2 cups frozen green peas (thawed): Adds a sweet pop of color and crisp texture that balances the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your orecchiette pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—firm with just a little bite. This texture is key because it holds up wonderfully when tossed with the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well to avoid any excess water diluting the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the shrimp. Cook them just about 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Then, stir in the dry white wine, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. The wine will reduce slightly, creating a flavorful glaze on the shrimp. Once done, remove the shrimp and any juices from the pan and set them aside for later. This step infuses the shrimp with a subtle tang and spice that really makes the dish sing.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same pan, stir in the flour and salt, cooking it for about 30 seconds to toast the flour slightly — this step adds a gentle nutty undertone. Slowly whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth as it heats and thickens to a luscious cream sauce. Once bubbling and thickened, remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and silky.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, Peas, and Sauce
Add the drained pasta, shrimp with their reserved juices, and thawed peas into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in that irresistible cheesy goodness. Warm it on low heat until heated through, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish while adding a lovely fresh aroma. Grating a little extra Gruyere or even Parmesan on top gives an indulgent finish that’s perfect if you’re a cheese lover.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli works beautifully. A crusty loaf of bread is also wonderful for soaking up all the creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests. You could also place the pasta in small gratin dishes, top with a little extra cheese, and broil for a couple of minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce over time, so when you reheat it, be ready to add a splash of milk to loosen things up.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal since the texture of the peas and shrimp may suffer during thawing. However, if needed, freeze only the sauce and pasta (without peas and shrimp) and add fresh shrimp and peas when reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk or broth to keep the sauce silky smooth. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent uneven heating and rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine would also work wonderfully in this Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.
What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?
If Gruyere isn’t available, a mild Swiss or mozzarella cheese can be used. Just remember Gruyere’s nutty flavor adds a special depth to the sauce, so the taste might be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the milk with coconut or almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, but the texture will be less creamy than with traditional dairy.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout with no translucent areas. They cook quickly, usually in about 3 minutes, and overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep a close eye during sautéing.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Yes! Feel free to toss in extras like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. Just keep in mind that adding more vegetables might change the cooking time slightly and the overall flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Peas Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a special occasion meal but comes together with effortless ease. Its harmonious blend of creamy cheese, tender shrimp, and sweet peas delivers comfort and delight in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
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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
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy shrimp pasta with peas is a delightful and comforting meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed in butter and white wine, tossed with al dente orecchiette pasta and sweet peas in a luscious Gruyere cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, it combines rich flavors and a smooth texture in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta, cooked al dente
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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
Sauce
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Add-ins
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the orecchiette pasta to al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well to remove excess water and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for about 3 minutes until they turn pink and are partially cooked. Stir in the dry white wine, minced garlic, and ground cayenne pepper. Continue cooking until the shrimp are fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp along with any juices from the pan and set aside for later use.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the flour and salt. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring to toast the flour slightly. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir until it thickens slightly, approximately 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until it fully melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked pasta, reserved shrimp and their juices, along with the thawed peas to the cheese sauce. Toss everything well to combine evenly. Cook the mixture on low heat until it is heated through thoroughly. Once hot, serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during sautéing; they cook quickly and will turn rubbery if left too long.
- To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp but add them at the end just to warm through to prevent overcooking.
- Gruyere cheese gives a rich and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with Parmesan or a mild cheddar if preferred.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the cheese, stirring constantly.
- Fresh peas can be used instead of frozen; just blanch them briefly before adding.
