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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe/