Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Caesar Shrimp and Pasta recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine perfectly cooked, tender shrimp nestled among al dente pasta, generously coated in creamy Caesar dressing, and topped with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a gourmet experience that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Croutons for topping
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season shrimp with a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Return pasta to the pot and add Caesar dressing. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to help distribute the dressing.
- Add cooked shrimp to the pasta and gently mix to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and shrimp, stirring to distribute.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with chopped romaine lettuce.
- Garnish with croutons for added crunch and texture.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear • Don't overcook shrimp - they should be pink and just opaque for maximum tenderness • Reserve some pasta water to help the Caesar dressing coat the pasta more smoothly • Use high-quality Caesar dressing for the most robust flavor • Toast your croutons separately for an extra crispy texture • For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing • Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect temperature and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
