If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a flash, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s rich, luscious, and full of bold garlic flavor, perfectly balanced with tender shrimp and a velvety cream sauce. The best part? It’s on the table in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want something special without the extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: You’ll go from pantry to plate in under 30 minutes. That’s faster than delivery!
Unbeatable Flavor: Creamy garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and al dente pasta – a combo that never disappoints.
Date-Night Worthy, Weeknight Simple: Elegant enough to impress, yet so easy to pull off after a long day.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge – it’s a forgiving, flexible dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta: Choose long noodles like linguine or fettuccine that can soak up all that silky sauce.
Shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined shrimp – fresh or frozen both work. Medium to large size gives the best bite.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for that unmistakable bold, aromatic flavor – don’t skimp here.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich and creamy base. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally. Grate it fresh for best results.
Butter: Helps cook the garlic gently and adds a luxurious richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used alongside butter to sear the shrimp without burning the garlic.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out all the savory notes in the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds just the right kick without overpowering the garlic.
Parsley: Freshly chopped for a pop of color and a bit of freshness to balance the richness.

Variations

Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
Make it Spicy: Stir in extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Use Chicken or Tofu: Not a shrimp fan? This creamy garlic sauce works beautifully with sliced chicken or crispy tofu.
Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta – the rest of the recipe stays the same.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and melt more butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the pan, toss in the cooked pasta, and mix until everything is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and luscious.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast – just a couple minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic won’t give you that same punchy flavor. Freshly minced cloves are worth it.
Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate it fresh for a silky sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is magic for loosening up the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.

How to Serve

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but you can easily elevate it further:

Side Ideas:

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up the sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, garlicky flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of cream or water will bring it back to life.

Freezing

Not recommended – cream-based sauces can separate when thawed and reheated, leading to a grainy texture.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the skillet.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Still tasty, though!

What type of pasta works best?
Long noodles like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal. They hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Totally optional and adjustable to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes that feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s fast, satisfying, and full of rich, savory flavor – everything you need after a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and let the simplicity and flavor speak for itself.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe