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I asked ChatGPT to create an easy, 'upscale' pasta recipe, and was pleasantly surprised that the shrimp-based dish tasted so delicious

Lauren Edmonds   

I asked ChatGPT to create an easy, 'upscale' pasta recipe, and was pleasantly surprised that the shrimp-based dish tasted so delicious
ChatGPT generated a recipe with 12 ingredients and nine steps within three minutes.Lauren Edmonds/Insider
  • I asked the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT to create a recipe for me to make.
  • My only stipulations were that the recipe included garlic and shrimp.

Open AI released ChatGPT in November 2022 and it quickly captured the public's attention.

Open AI released ChatGPT in November 2022 and it quickly captured the public
A photo of the ChatGPT website.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

ChatGPT burst onto the scene late last year, but the attention and craze surrounding the artificial intelligence chatbot carried firmly into 2023. ChatGPT quickly went viral across social media as people asked it to build Chrome extensions, take the US medical licensing exam, and write school essays.

Over the last several months, I've watched people speculate how AI can innovate industries, and as a food reporter, I wanted to know what role ChatGPT could play in the kitchen.

I asked ChatGPT to create an "upscale" pasta recipe with shrimp and garlic — two of my favorite ingredients.

I asked ChatGPT to create an "upscale" pasta recipe with shrimp and garlic — two of my favorite ingredients.
A photo of the ChatGPT-generated recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

After creating an account, I asked ChatGPT: "Can you create an upscale pasta recipe with shrimp and garlic for me to make?"

ChatGPT generated a recipe with 12 ingredients and nine steps within three minutes. Although I assumed my request would be relatively easy, it still surprised me how comprehensive the pasta recipe was. I also loved that ChatGPT labeled my recipe "easy-to-make" because I love quick and straightforward dinner options.

To make it, you'll need:

  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Prep time for the garlic and other ingredients should be around 15 minutes.

Prep time for the garlic and other ingredients should be around 15 minutes.
A photo showing which ingredients need to be prepped for the recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

Before cooking the pasta, prepare the parsley, garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, and lemons. It should take about 15 minutes and will save you time later on.

According to the recipe, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

According to the recipe, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Don't heat the pasta up too much because it'll be cooked in a pot later in the recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

I purchased linguine for the recipe, so I cooked the noodles for about five minutes before draining and setting them back in the pot.

Then, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Then, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
I personally requested the garlic, so I was happy the recipe asked for a large quantity.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

Garlic tends to cook quickly, so keep an eye on it in the skillet. Also, if you're sensitive to spice, feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes. I accidentally spilled an extra shake in, so my pasta had a little kick to it.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Watch the shrimp to make sure they don't overcook.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

As the shrimp cooks, try to coat each piece in the olive oil-garlic-red pepper flake sauce to flavor each bite.

In the same skillet, deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for 1-2 minutes.

In the same skillet, deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for 1-2 minutes.
The shrimp cooled nearby as I deglazed the white wine in the pan.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

As Insider's Cheyenne Lentz explained, deglazing with wine can help create a flavorful sauce. It was my first time deglazing with wine, but the process was fairly simple and it didn't take long for the wine to reduce.

Add the chicken or seafood broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.

Add the chicken or seafood broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
A photo of the chicken broth, red pepper flakes, garlic, and deglazed wine in a pan.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

I couldn't find seafood stock – which I bet would have taken the recipe to a different level – so I used chicken stock. I think either option works for this recipe, so feel free to use whichever you have in the pantry.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
The cherry tomatoes added a refreshing taste to the recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

It shouldn't take longer than the suggested time, but make sure they don't get too mushy.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
Make sure the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

The recipe also suggested seasoning the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, add in the chopped parsley.

Serve the shrimp and garlic pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top

Serve the shrimp and garlic pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top
The lemon was a nice addition to the recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

Per the recipe, I added a few squeezes of lemon juice into the pasta and mixed it all together.

At the end of the recipe, ChatGPT added: "Enjoy your delicious upscale shrimp and garlic pasta! It's sure to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner. Buon appetito!"

At the end of the recipe, ChatGPT added: "Enjoy your delicious upscale shrimp and garlic pasta! It
A photo of the finished pasta I made with the ChatGPT recipe.      Lauren Edmonds/Insider

I didn't know what to expect when I requested the recipe, but it was actually put together very well and tasted just as good. I typically like a creamy sauce, but the light sauce paired well with the cherry tomatoes and let the garlic shine. It's definitely a 35-minute dish that would impress at a cozy dinner party, so I'd make it again.

I'd also use ChatGPT again whenever I feel uninspired in the kitchen. It crafted a tasty and fairly simple dish in a matter of minutes.

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