Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender bowtie pasta, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle), uncooked
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions (10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in remaining Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Lower heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Gently fold in cooked shrimp and any juices. Simmer 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid overcooking the shrimp. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta or dairy-free with coconut cream and plant-based cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy garlic Parmesan, bowtie pasta, easy dinner, 30 minute meal, seafood pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food