Creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. This restaurant-quality meal is easy to make at home and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy – A velvety sauce made with cream, garlic, and Parmesan enhances the flavors.
- Elegant yet simple – Looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
- Customizable – Can be adapted with different pasta types, proteins, or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the shrimp – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the cream and Parmesan – Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine everything – Return the shrimp to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish with lemon juice – Stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables – Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
- Use different proteins – Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or salmon.
- Make it lighter – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Spice it up – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating the shrimp to prevent toughness.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding cream and Parmesan, and avoid boiling the sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are great choices, but any pasta works.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through, as overcooking will make them rubbery.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add extra red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta for a keto version.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp pasta is an indulgent yet simple meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a short amount of time. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a restaurant-quality dish made at home! Rich, garlicky, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp with garlic in butter.
- Add cream and Parmesan, then mix with pasta.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste.
- Add chili flakes for spice.
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