A Gourmet Guide to White Sauce Pasta with Shrimp

Introduction to White Sauce Pasta with Shrimp

White sauce pasta with shrimp is a luxurious dish that combines the creamy texture of béchamel sauce with succulent shrimp, resulting in a delectable meal that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers an exquisite taste that is sure to impress your guests. In this blog post, we will explore the steps to make this delightful pasta dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get started with the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• 200 grams of pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)

• 250 grams of shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

• 2 cups of milk

• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Having all your ingredients prepared beforehand will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

2. Prepare the shrimp:

   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add the shrimp and season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).

   • Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the white sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • (Optional step for thicker sauce): Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.

   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream (or milk), whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

   • Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

4. Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce and toss to coat evenly.

   • Gently stir in the cooked shrimp, making sure everything is well combined and heated through.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

   • Optional: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or chili flakes on top for extra flavor.

Tips:

• For a lighter version, use half milk and half cream or substitute with low-fat milk.

• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.

• Adjust the seasoning to your preference; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a zesty brightness to the dish.

This White Sauce Pasta with Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!