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This spaghetti with shrimp in cream cheese sauce is a quick, creamy pasta dish that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Tender shrimp, al dente spaghetti, and a wonderfully tangy cream cheese sauce make a perfect combination for a light lunch or dinner.
Recipe overview
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 400 g
- Shrimp: 300 g, peeled and deveined
- Cream cheese: 200 g, plain or with herbs
- Garlic cloves: 2, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Vegetable stock: 150 ml
- Cream: 100 ml (optional for extra creaminess)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley or basil for garnishing
- Chili flakes: Optional for a little spice
Preparation
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, reserving a little of the pasta water (about 100 ml) for later.
- Sauté aromatics:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and cooked through. Drizzle with lemon juice, then remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same pan, add the cream cheese, vegetable stock, and cream (if using). Mix well until a smooth sauce forms. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optionally chili flakes.
- Combine and finish:
- Add the drained spaghetti and prawns to the pan. Mix well, adding a little of the pasta water if needed to make the sauce more smooth.
- Serve:
- Heat briefly until evenly heated. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
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Tips for the best results
- Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can also stir in some Parmesan cheese.
- Flavor upgrade: A splash of white wine after frying the onions provides a sophisticated flavor.
- Lighter version: Replace the cream with milk or use light cream cheese.
Serving suggestions
This creamy spaghetti with shrimp tastes great with a fresh green salad and crusty baguette. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, perfectly complements the dish.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- → What herbs go best with this dish?
Fresh dill, parsley, or basil add a vibrant touch. Choose based on your flavor preference.
- → Is it possible to make this lighter?
Yes, use light cream cheese or substitute cream with milk to reduce fat content.
- → What can I serve on the side?
A fresh green salad and crusty bread pair perfectly, along with a chilled white wine.