Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Divide into plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them once they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
• Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve a perfect creamy consistency.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting and better flavor.
• Try adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Replace shrimp with chicken strips, scallops, or salmon for protein variations.
• For spice lovers, increase red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
• Swap parsley for basil or chives to change the herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use low heat in a skillet and add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to help revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp and sauce separation.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. Follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.

Can I replace heavy cream with something else?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich compared to heavy cream.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines perfectly cooked pasta with succulent shrimp and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes, featuring a balance of creamy, garlicky richness and fresh seafood brightness. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it includes a touch of smoked paprika for warmth, lemon juice for brightness, and Parmesan for depth, all garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese for a satisfying finish.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs loosening. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Do not overcook shrimp; remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help emulsify the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, better-melting sauce compared to pre-shredded options.
• Salt in layers: season the pasta water and then taste and adjust the sauce seasoning before serving.
• For extra richness, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, creamy pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, quick seafood pasta