Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp, velvety cream sauce, and tender pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home. With garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon, every bite is layered with flavor and texture. It’s a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a luxurious cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta, complemented by the sweetness of shrimp and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and requires just one pan after the pasta is cooked. With the right balance of creaminess, spice, and citrus, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz wide, flat pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup pasta water (reserved)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Combine Everything:

Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.

Serve & Garnish:

Plate the creamy shrimp pasta immediately.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.
Seafood Mix: Add scallops or crab meat for a seafood medley.
Cheese Twist: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a bolder cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Flat noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but linguine or spaghetti also work well.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling the cream—simmer gently instead.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, but note the flavor will change.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit longer or add extra Parmesan cheese. A small amount of cornstarch slurry can also help.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of butter, or evaporated milk in a pinch.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through to prevent overcooking.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and shrimp nicely.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and cook quickly when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a beautifully simple yet decadent dish that combines rich cream, fresh garlic, and perfectly cooked shrimp for a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. With its velvety sauce and comforting flavors, it’s an easy favorite that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-servings

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Description

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of rich, garlicky cream sauce, tender shrimp, and al dente noodles—all ready in under 30 minutes! It’s a delicious, easy dinner ideal for seafood lovers and fans of creamy pasta dishes, shrimp Alfredo, and quick pasta recipes.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add shrimp; season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Combine Everything:
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat well in the sauce.
Serve & Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm, optionally with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Use linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Great paired with garlic bread or a green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Seafood