Creamy Roasted Garlic Shrimp Pasta: An Irresistible Family Favorite Recipe

Imagine a dish where succulent shrimp are perfectly coated in a rich, yet light, cream sauce infused with the deep, sweet, and aromatic notes of roasted garlic and the delicate hint of sautéed shallots. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of this incredible shrimp and pasta meal that is destined to become a staple in your household. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and gourmet flavor to your dinner table without demanding hours of your time.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. The magic truly begins with roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, which can be pungent and sharp, roasting mellows its intensity, bringing out a sweet, nutty, and incredibly savory flavor profile. This transformation creates a depth that raw garlic simply cannot achieve, making it the perfect foundation for a luxurious cream sauce. The sautéed shallots add another layer of delicate onion flavor, complementing the roasted garlic beautifully without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.

The beauty of this creamy shrimp pasta lies in its simplicity and efficiency. While the garlic is roasting, you can prepare the pasta and other components, making this a surprisingly quick and effortless meal for any night of the week. It’s a sophisticated dish that’s easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a satisfying meal for the whole family, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

The Wonder of Roasted Garlic: Flavor and Convenience

Roasted garlic is a true culinary gem, offering a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched. When garlic bulbs are slowly roasted in the oven, their cloves transform from firm and pungent to soft, buttery, and incredibly sweet. This process caramelizes the natural sugars within the garlic, creating a mild, nutty, and highly aromatic ingredient that adds a gourmet touch to countless dishes, including this exquisite shrimp pasta.

One of the best aspects of roasted garlic, beyond its incredible taste, is its versatility and how well it can be prepared in advance. You can easily roast a large batch of garlic bulbs at once, as it requires virtually the same effort as roasting just two. This makes it an ideal ingredient for meal prep, ensuring you always have this flavor booster on hand.

To freeze roasted garlic for future use: Gently squeeze the softened cloves out of their bulbs. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet or a small pan that fits into your freezer. Freeze the cloves until they are solid, typically a few hours. Once frozen, transfer the individual cloves into a freezer-safe container or a re-sealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date and “Roasted Garlic Cloves” so you know exactly what it is. This method prevents the cloves from clumping together, allowing you to easily grab just what you need for your next recipe, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights.

Having a stash of roasted garlic in your freezer means you’re always just a few steps away from elevating your cooking. From spreads and dips to sauces and marinades, its rich flavor profile can enhance almost any dish. For this creamy shrimp pasta, pre-roasted garlic significantly cuts down on preparation time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal even faster.

Shrimp in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce over Penne Pasta

Accented by aromatic roasted garlic and sautéed shallots in a light cream sauce, this shrimp and pasta meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Author: Mary Ann

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 460

Ingredients

• Oil, as needed
• 2 shallots, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 whole garlic bulbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. water, room temperature
• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 1 lb. frozen raw shrimp, thawed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the garlic bulbs across the top to expose the very top of the cloves.
3. Set the bulbs on a piece of aluminum foil then drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Close the foil around the garlic tightly and roast for about 45 minutes or until very tender. When done, you should be able to squeeze the garlic out of the head easily; the cloves will be darkened but not burned.
5. Allow to cool, then remove the roasted garlic by gently squeezing it out the top of the head. Set aside.

Prepare the Pasta and Sauce

6. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Meanwhile, heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced shallots.
8. Sauté shallots until light brown and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add chicken broth and the roasted garlic cloves to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
9. In a small container, mix the room temperature water and cornstarch well until no lumps remain. This is your cornstarch slurry.
10. Add the milk to the simmering skillet ingredients, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens.
11. Carefully transfer the skillet mixture (shallots, broth, roasted garlic, thickened milk) into a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet/bowl) and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
12. Return the smooth garlic cream sauce to the skillet. Place the thawed shrimp in the skillet with the sauce and sauté until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, typically 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Be careful not to overcook them.
13. Season the creamy garlic shrimp mixture with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro. Stir to combine.
14. Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and incorporated, allowing the sauce to thicken further to your desired consistency.
15. Serve immediately over the prepared penne pasta. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Roasted garlic freezes incredibly well! It’s just as easy to roast a whole panful as it is to roast two bulbs. To freeze, gently squeeze the softened cloves out of the bulbs and place them in a single layer on a pan that will fit in your freezer. Place in the freezer until thoroughly frozen, then remove from the freezer and transfer them together into a freezer-safe container or bag labeled with the date and “Roasted Garlic Cloves.” This makes future meal prep a breeze!

Nutrition per serving

• Calories: 460 cal
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Sodium: 885 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Net Carbohydrates: 63 g

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Tips for Success: Mastering Your Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Achieving a restaurant-quality creamy roasted garlic shrimp pasta at home is easier than you think with a few key tips:

• Perfectly Roasted Garlic: Don’t rush the roasting process. The longer garlic roasts at a lower temperature, the sweeter and softer it becomes. Ensure the cloves are deeply caramelized but not burnt for the best flavor.
• Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s “al dente” – tender but still firm to the bite. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, so undercooking it by a minute or two is often ideal.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. Sautéing them for just a couple of minutes on each side is usually sufficient.
• Smooth Sauce Consistency: Blending the sauce is crucial for that luxurious, velvety texture. If you don’t have a stand blender, an immersion blender works wonderfully directly in the skillet. Make sure all the roasted garlic cloves are fully incorporated and there are no chunks.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Always mix cornstarch with cold or room temperature water before adding it to hot liquids. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth thickening agent. Gradually add the slurry and stir until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
• Seasoning is Key: Taste your sauce and shrimp mixture before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, fresh note, but fresh parsley is also a great alternative if you prefer.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

This creamy roasted garlic shrimp pasta recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

• Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by stirring in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking (it will wilt beautifully), halved cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or asparagus tips.
• Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the shallots. You can also finish the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
• Different Herbs: While cilantro adds a unique freshness, you can swap it for fresh parsley, basil, or a mix of Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with other cheeses! A touch of Romano for a sharper flavor, or even a creamy goat cheese could add an interesting twist.
• Protein Swaps: Not a fan of shrimp, or looking for something different? Cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded) or even scallops would work well with this creamy garlic sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Making Ahead and Storage

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to prepare components in advance:

• Roasted Garlic: As mentioned, roasted garlic can be made ahead and frozen. This is the biggest time-saver for this recipe.
• Sauce Base: You could make the cream sauce (without the shrimp and Parmesan) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, then add the cooked shrimp and cheese.
• Cooked Pasta: Cooked pasta can be stored separately in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, toss with a little olive oil or a splash of water/broth to loosen it up.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy roasted garlic shrimp pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a healthy and colorful side dish.
• White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors beautifully.

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The thoughtful combination of sweet roasted garlic, delicate shallots, and tender shrimp, all enveloped in a light cream sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences and a perfect solution for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen!

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