Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with al dente pasta, and coated in a luscious creamy sauce. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes
- Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor
- Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions
- Can be customized with different pasta types and add-ins
- A satisfying one-pan dish that’s both comforting and elegant
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
- Healthier Alternative: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in extra Parmesan or a touch of mozzarella for a richer sauce.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal, but any pasta will work.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking—shrimp only need 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, add a bit more Parmesan or let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, replace shrimp with sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown.
How do I balance the richness of the sauce?
A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs helps cut through the richness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant meal that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a perfect choice. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-style dish that you can easily make at home. Juicy, pan-seared shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with tender pasta for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian