If you crave a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, it’s comfort food elevated to an art form. The tender noodles soak up every bit of flavorful sauce, making each bite a heavenly combination of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients makes this dish not only straightforward to prepare but also incredibly rich in flavor and texture. Each item plays a unique role, from the silky pasta to the vibrant parsley that adds a burst of color and freshness to the final plate.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to perfectly catch the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, they provide juicy, tender seafood goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps sear the shrimp beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Essential for richness and that silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The soulful backbone bringing aromatic warmth and a slight bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the lush, velvety texture that defines this recipe.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering nuttiness and umami.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and heightens all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to complement the creamy elements.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of spice.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens and cuts through the richness with refreshing acidity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal note and vibrant green color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine or linguine until just al dente—it should have a bit of bite to complement an otherwise creamy dish. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for loosening the sauce later and ensuring a silky, clingy finish.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes each side until their color shifts to a tempting pink and they turn opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan or overcooking to keep them tender and juicy. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside—your sauce gets its base next.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet—don’t rinse out the flavorful bits left from the shrimp. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant, to release that classic garlicky aroma that’s key to this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, achieving that luscious consistency that wraps perfectly around the pasta and shrimp.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet, nestling them back into the creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything well, coating every strand with the velvety goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness and sprinkle with the chopped parsley for a delightful pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a no-brainer for adding brightness and a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair, consider a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even some lemon zest to double down on that citrusy zing. A grind of black pepper on top can add visual appeal and a touch of spice to each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance its richness. Garlic bread is a classic companion, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, twirl the pasta neatly into nests on individual plates and arrange the shrimp artfully atop each one. Garnish each portion with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges on the side. Serving it in a wide, shallow bowl helps showcase the creamy sauce beautifully and makes it easier to savor every mouthful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic shrimp pasta keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because seafood is involved, try not to extend storage beyond that for optimal freshness and safety. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so it may benefit from gentle reheating with a splash of cream or water.
Freezing
Freezing the whole dish is possible but not ideal since the cream sauce and pasta texture may change. If you want to freeze, separate the shrimp and pasta from the sauce, freeze independently, and combine again upon reheating for better results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s original smoothness. Avoid overheating, which can toughen the shrimp or cause the sauce to separate. Stir frequently until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine work beautifully, you can swap in penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preference or dietary needs, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version of this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and rich. To thicken, consider adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water.
Can I prepare this dish without garlic?
Garlic is a key flavor in this recipe, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce it or omit it. Consider adding shallots or a pinch of onion powder to maintain some depth of flavor.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that lingers pleasantly in the background. They are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer a completely mild pasta.
What’s the best way to buy shrimp for this recipe?
Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that is peeled and deveined for convenience. Wild-caught tends to have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor, but sustainably farmed shrimp are a great alternative. Thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both special and effortlessly homey at the same time. Every bite is a reminder of why simple ingredients combined thoughtfully create unforgettable meals. I’m so excited for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a go-to in your kitchen, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing friends and family without hassle.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly al dente fettuccine or linguine. This easy-to-make stovetop recipe combines the flavors of garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley to create a delightful seafood pasta that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
shrimp and seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
sauce and cooking fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the hot pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the sauce.
- This creamy shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
