Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring succulent shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and served over creamy, cheesy pasta. This easy yet elegant meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Rich and Flavorful: Buttery garlic shrimp paired with a creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort.
• Customizable: Works with different pasta shapes and proteins.

Ingredients

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

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
   Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix gently.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best to hold the creamy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

Yes, substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of butter.

4. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this pasta well.

6. Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for extra depth of flavor.

7. How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce longer, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

8. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

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

9. Is there a dairy-free version?

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and cook the pasta in advance.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings bold flavors and creamy textures together. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Pair it with a glass of wine and garlic bread for a complete meal.

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, buttery dish packed with juicy shrimp and a velvety Parmesan sauce. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Shrimp:
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Toss in shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and remove from heat.
• Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  • Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until smooth.
• Combine Everything:
  • Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce.
  • Top with garlic butter shrimp.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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Notes

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops for variety.