Welcome to your ultimate guide on making the delicious Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta! This mouth-watering dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, combined with perfectly al dente pasta.

What is Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta?

Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy, garlicky sauce and pasta. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, garlic, and a creamy sauce is irresistible.
Versatile: This can be made with your favorite type of pasta.

Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
Elegant Dish: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon
Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine everything well.

Add Final Touches: Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the shrimp pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a healthy side.
White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp make a big difference in flavor.
Do Not Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.

Proper Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Season Well: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp pasta is best served hot and fresh.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini slices.
Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Tomato-Based: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-based creamy sauce.

Storing Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Separate Components: Store shrimp and sauce separately from pasta to prevent sogginess.
Label and Date: Always label and date your stored shrimp pasta for the best quality.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta: Best Practices

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp pasta?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for shrimp pasta. Thaw the shrimp completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

How do you make the shrimp pasta sauce thicker?

To make the shrimp pasta sauce thicker, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce as it melts. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.

What type of pasta is best for shrimp pasta?

Long pasta types like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal for shrimp pasta because they can hold the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make shrimp pasta without cream?

Yes, you can make shrimp pasta without cream. Substitute the cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of milk. Another option is to make a garlic butter sauce with olive oil and lemon juice for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this delicious recipe and experimenting with different variations to suit your taste!