Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious, quick-to-make dish featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition and color.
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken or scallops as shrimp substitutes.
- Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 240mg