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Creamy Shrimp And Pasta Recipe With Pico De Gallo Recipe

Creamy Shrimp And Pasta Recipe With Pico De Gallo Recipe - Freshly Ingredients

As a foodie who's always on the lookout for delicious meals, I've stumbled upon a gem that deserves a spot in your kitchen – creamy shrimp and pasta with pico de gallo.
This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that come together in a way that feels both fancy and comforting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 820

Ingredients
  

Shrimp & Pasta:
  • 16 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp 18/20 size
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 tsp smoked chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 oz dry white wine a splash for deglazing
  • 1 fresh lime
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • 1 can fire-roasted green chiles 7 oz
For the Sauce:
  • 12 oz can chicken broth
  • 8 oz Oaxaca cheese grated, set aside some for garnish
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
For the Pico de Gallo:
  • 2 small plum tomatoes diced
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 serrano chile minced
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber

Method
 

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, save a cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, lime juice, cayenne, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Making the Cream Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up flavorful bits. Add the flour, gradually whisking in the chicken broth and milk. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Then add the Oaxaca cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combining Everything
  1. Add the pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Then gently fold in the shrimp and fire-roasted chiles.
Step 5: Preparing the Pico de Gallo
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, serrano chile, and cucumber. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Plating
  1. Serve the creamy shrimp pasta warm, topped generously with pico de gallo and diced avocado. Sprinkle on some reserved Oaxaca cheese for that extra touch.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor. If frozen, make sure to thaw them properly.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente. It will soak up the sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Experiment with Cheese: Other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère can work wonderfully.
  • Make-ahead Pico de Gallo: Feel free to prepare the pico ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully.
  • Add Protein Variety: Try adding scallops or chicken for a change. It can make the dish even more filling.