If you’re craving a comforting, delicious pasta dish that’s light and full of flavor, this Easy Shrimp Pasta without Cream is about to become your new favorite! No heavy sauces here—just fresh, simple ingredients that let the shrimp shine, with a little kick of spice and cheesy goodness thanks to the Gouda. 😋🫶🏼
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and will leave everyone at the table impressed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this mouthwatering dish:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 350g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 100g cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 15g butter
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 250g pasta (like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 ladles of pasta water
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (to taste)
- Chili flakes (for heat, optional but recommended)
- Gouda cheese (grated, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
⚡ Pro Tip: Save about 2 ladles of the starchy pasta water before draining – this is key to making a silky sauce without cream!
2. Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, a pinch of sweet paprika, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like it spicy. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Veggie Base
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Toss in the garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to blister and release their juices, about 2 more minutes.
4. Create the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, and then pour in the saved pasta water one ladle at a time, stirring to create a light, glossy sauce.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated.
Return the shrimp to the pan, sprinkle a handful of grated Gouda over everything, and mix well until the cheese starts to melt into the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, paprika, or chili flakes as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.
Plate the pasta, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, add a little more Gouda on top before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cream, no problem! The pasta water and butter create a silky sauce that’s light but full of flavor.
- Super quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable – you can add spinach, mushrooms, or even swap shrimp for chicken if you prefer.
- Restaurant-quality at home without the heavy price tag.
Final Tips
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they only need about 2 minutes per side!
- Good quality Gouda really elevates this dish, but you can substitute with Parmesan or another melty cheese if needed.
📝 Save this recipe for your next pasta night—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible!
Craving more easy, delicious dinners? Follow along for more no-fuss recipes that taste like a treat! 🍝✨