Garlic Shrimp & Artichoke Noodles – Quick & Flavorful!

Garlic Shrimp with Artichoke Hearts is a delicious and relatively quick dish that beautifully combines the flavors of garlic, shrimp, and artichokes, served over a bed of tender noodles. It’s a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying yet straightforward. Let’s dive into the detailed aspects of this dish, from its ingredients and nutritional content to its step-by-step preparation.

Recipe Overview

Name: Garlic Shrimp With Artichoke Hearts
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Description: This noodle dish has an interesting flavor twist with the addition of artichokes. It’s also fast and easy to prepare!
Category: Vegetable
Keywords: < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
Servings: 2
Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 1

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 689.3 kcal
• Fat Content: 40.9 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 17.3 g
• Cholesterol Content: 406.1 mg
• Sodium Content: 700.7 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 30.3 g
• Fiber Content: 11.7 g
• Sugar Content: 3.8 g
• Protein Content: 54.2 g

Ingredients

1. Butter – 4 tablespoons
2. Onion – ½ cup, chopped
3. Water – 2 cups
4. Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
5. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
6. Fresh Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
7. Pepper – 1 teaspoon
8. Shrimp – ½ pound, peeled and deveined
9. Artichoke Hearts – 1 can (14 ounces), drained and halved
10. Noodles – 1 package (about 8 ounces)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
   • Stir in the package of noodles and cook for about 8 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Artichoke Hearts:

   • While the noodles are cooking, drain the can of artichoke hearts and cut each heart in half. Set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp and Artichokes:

   • In a large frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until soft but not brown, about 1-2 minutes.
   • Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink, approximately 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the halved artichoke hearts and continue to cook, stirring gently, until heated through.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Stir in the chopped parsley and pepper into the shrimp and artichoke mixture.
   • Add the cooked noodles to the frying pan and toss to combine all ingredients.
   • Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips and Variations

1. Choosing the Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for a more substantial bite. Ensure they are peeled and deveined to save time. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can also be used if thawed properly.

2. Artichoke Hearts: You can use either canned or jarred artichoke hearts. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained before adding to the dish.

3. Noodle Options: This recipe calls for a standard package of noodles, but you can substitute with your favorite type such as linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions apply.

4. Enhancing Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice while cooking the shrimp and artichokes. This adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the butter and garlic.

5. Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add more vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers. Sauté these with the garlic before adding the shrimp for a colorful and nutritious boost.

6. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh taste, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

7. Cheese Garnish: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can complement the dish’s flavors beautifully when served.

Pairing Suggestions

Wines:

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would pair well with this dish, enhancing the shrimp’s delicate flavor without overpowering it.
• Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can also be a good match, offering a subtle contrast.

Sides:

• Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the butter and shrimp.
• Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Desserts:

• Citrus-Based Desserts: Lemon sorbet or a light citrus tart would provide a refreshing end to the meal.
• Creamy Desserts: A panna cotta or a light mousse can also be a delightful follow-up.

Cooking Process Photos (Optional)

Visual aids can be beneficial for following a recipe. If you have the opportunity, take photos at each significant step:

1. Melting Butter and Cooking Onions: Show the butter melting in the saucepan and the onions becoming tender.
2. Boiling Noodles: Capture the noodles cooking in the boiling water.
3. Preparing Shrimp and Artichokes: Show the shrimp turning pink in the frying pan and the artichokes being added.
4. Final Combination: Display the shrimp and artichoke mixture being tossed with the noodles.

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp with Artichoke Hearts is a delightful dish that brings together the briny sweetness of shrimp with the tender, slightly nutty flavor of artichoke hearts. The combination of butter, garlic, and fresh parsley creates a harmonious blend that complements the simple yet satisfying noodles. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and preferences. Enjoy this dish with a side of fresh salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete and fulfilling meal.