Shrimp and bowtie pasta – This seafood pasta recipe blends tender shrimp with the iconic farfalle pasta (commonly referred to as “bowtie” pasta), creating a meal that’s visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Bowtie Pasta
This dish combines two crowd-pleasers: succulent shrimp and al dente bowtie pasta, all coated in a creamy or light sauce. The bowtie pasta has just the right texture to hold onto the sauce, while the shrimp adds a juicy, savory bite. It’s a meal that’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a casual family dinner.
- Quick and easy: You can prepare it in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences or what’s on hand.
- Nutritious: Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, making this a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients for a classic shrimp and bowtie pasta:
Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, deveined and peeled. Tail-on or off, depending on preference.
Bowtie pasta: Farfalle pasta works best, but you can swap for another if needed.
Olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma.
Butter: For richness in the sauce.
Heavy cream or half and half: For a creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp and Bowtie Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they turn opaque and pink, remove them from the heat.
- Season your pasta water: This small step is key to ensuring your pasta is flavorful. Pasta should be cooked in water as salty as the sea.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and lemon juice elevate this dish. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, nothing beats the brightness of fresh.
- Keep the sauce creamy: If you find your sauce too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about shrimp and bowtie pasta is how versatile it can be. Here are some variations you can try to switch things up:
Shrimp pesto bowtie pasta: Swap the cream sauce for a vibrant pesto sauce for a fresh, herbaceous version of this dish.
Add vegetables: For added texture and nutrition, toss in sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli.
Spicy shrimp and bowtie pasta: Spice up the dish with more red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Garlic lemon shrimp bowtie pasta: Skip the cream sauce and make a lighter version using just garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley for a zesty, refreshing twist.
Creamy Cajun shrimp and bowtie pasta: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor that’s perfect for lovers of Southern cuisine.
How to Serve Shrimp and Bowtie Pasta
This pasta dish is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is still creamy. You can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more elevated presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s so good, that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, add a splash of water or cream to the pasta to prevent the sauce from drying out. Heat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Freeze: While you can freeze shrimp, cream-based sauces don’t always hold up well in the freezer. If you do freeze the dish, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding more liquid as needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes.
What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
No problem! You can substitute any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti would work well in this dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, and use a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also leave out the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
After draining your pasta, toss it with a little olive oil if you’re not using it immediately. This will help prevent clumping while you prepare the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use a gluten-free pasta variety, and ensure that all other ingredients (like the Parmesan cheese and cream) are gluten-free as well.
Shrimp and Bowtie Pasta
Shrimp and bowtie pasta - This seafood pasta recipe blends tender shrimp with the iconic farfalle pasta (commonly referred to as "bowtie" pasta), creating a meal that’s visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined (12 oz peeled weight)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 shallots, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned or cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and fresh pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 1 minute until nearly cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Toss in the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add the veggies: Stir in the zucchini and cook for an additional minute, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
- Combine and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, then return the shrimp to the pan and simmer for 30 seconds to finish cooking the shrimp.
- Mix with pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is coated. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 297Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 240mgSodium 1344mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 31g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and bowtie pasta is an incredibly versatile and tasty dish that you can whip up quickly and easily. Whether you’re sticking to the classic creamy version or experimenting with spicy, garlicky, or pesto twists, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking, and use the tips and variations shared here to make the perfect version for you!
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