Contents
Introduction
Creamy Shrimp Boil Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic shrimp boil flavors and comforting pasta, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This dish combines the rich essence of andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and seasonal corn in a luscious creamy sauce, all tossed with cavatappi pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will surely impress your guests and satisfying enough for a cozy night in.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 pound cavatappi pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
– 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
– ¼ cup unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup vegetable broth, or more as needed
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or roasted)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 20 minutes, resulting in a total time of about 30 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. Enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of this shrimp boil pasta!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 2:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked andouille sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, set aside and drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3:
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1½ teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.
Step 4:
Melt the unsalted butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it is lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Step 5:
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is slightly thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more vegetable broth as needed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6:
Stir in the cooked pasta, browned sausage, cooked shrimp, and corn kernels. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 7:
Serve the creamy shrimp boil pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh chives if desired.
Notes
Notes on Ingredients:
Use high-quality smoked andouille sausage for the best flavor. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, ensuring they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
Notes on Cooking:
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, especially with the Old Bay Seasoning.
Notes on Serving:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cavatappi pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well to prevent any further cooking.
Searing Sausage and Shrimp
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat before adding the sliced smoked andouille sausage. Cook until lightly browned, usually about 3-4 minutes. Season and cook the shrimp in the same skillet until they turn pink, which takes around 2-3 minutes, ensuring not to overcook them.
Making a Roux
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, then whisk in all-purpose flour until lightly browned. This forms a roux, which adds thickness and flavor to the sauce.
Creating the Sauce
Gradually add vegetable broth and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Adjust thickness with more broth if necessary.
Combining Ingredients
Once the sauce is ready, gently stir in the cooked pasta, sausage, shrimp, and corn to combine all the flavors. Ensure everything is well incorporated before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute cavatappi with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, but cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the flour is replaced with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
You can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Store components separately in the refrigerator.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less Old Bay Seasoning or include crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Boil Pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors that captures the essence of a classic shrimp boil in a comforting pasta dish. The combination of smoky andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, and sweet corn, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, makes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
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