Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce: A Delectable Seafood Pasta Dish
Indulge in a culinary delight with our Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce recipe! This delectable dish combines succulent shrimp with tender ziti pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy white wine sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Cream Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are distributed throughout the pasta.
- Serve the Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Cooking Notes and Variations:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add diced sun-dried tomatoes or chopped spinach to the cream sauce.
- Feel free to substitute other types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
- If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Asiago or Romano for a unique twist on the sauce.
- To make this dish spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the ziti pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly option.
- Use heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese instead of regular cream to reduce the carb content.
- Omit the white wine and use chicken or vegetable broth flavored with a splash of lemon juice for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Instead of traditional Parmesan cheese, opt for a keto-friendly cheese such as aged cheddar or Gouda.
In conclusion, our Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce is a luxurious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its velvety cream sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is a delight for the senses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this elegant pasta dish is guaranteed to impress. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of gourmet dining right in your own home
Cooking Tips for Success:
- When cooking the shrimp, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- For the cream sauce, it’s important to gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This will ensure a smooth and velvety sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more white wine or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can sauté the shrimp in garlic butter instead of olive oil. Simply melt some butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and cook the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through.
- To enhance the presentation of the dish, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Variations and Customizations:
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or peas. Simply sauté them along with the shrimp until they are tender-crisp.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add tofu or tempeh for added protein.
- Experiment with different types of seafood such as scallops, crab meat, or lobster tail for a luxurious twist on this classic dish.
- If you’re not a fan of ziti pasta, you can use any other type of pasta you have on hand such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and make sure to check the labels on the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Keto and Low-Carb Options:
- To make this dish keto-friendly, replace the ziti pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. These low-carb alternatives are perfect for those following a keto diet.
- Instead of using white wine in the sauce, you can use chicken or vegetable broth to keep the carb count low.
- Opt for full-fat dairy products such as heavy cream and cream cheese to keep the fat content high and the carbs low.
- Add extra protein by incorporating cooked bacon or sausage into the dish. This will not only add flavor but also make the dish more filling and satisfying.
- Serve the Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce alongside a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complete and balanced meal.
In conclusion, our Creamy Shrimp Ziti in White Wine Sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that everyone will love. So why not give it a try and add it to your dinner rotation?
