Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for an impressive yet comforting dish to satisfy your pasta cravings, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight indulgence. Imagine tender fettuccine swirled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, loaded with juicy shrimp and finished with a shower of fresh parsley—every bite is elegant and utterly irresistible, yet the dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pasta will make you feel like you’re at a cozy Italian bistro.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet high-impact ingredients—many of which you may already have on hand. Each one plays a starring role, adding flavor, creaminess, or that crucial pop of color to bring Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta to life.
- Fettuccine or Spaghetti (8 ounces): Pick your favorite long pasta—fettuccine clings beautifully to the sauce, while spaghetti offers a timeless twist.
- Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp for succulent bites that become the highlight of each forkful.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): This adds a touch of fruity depth to sauté the shrimp and infuses the base of the dish with flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): A combination of butter for the shrimp and the sauce delivers rich, silky notes throughout.
- Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic transforms the flavor, infusing each layer of the sauce with irresistible aroma and warmth.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth; you can also swap for white wine for a fragrant alternative.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key to that luscious, creamy texture—don’t substitute with milk for best results.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Use freshly grated Parmesan for a nutty, savory touch that thickens and flavors the sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors; always season to taste.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick of warmth perfectly rounds out the creaminess.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Add a pop of gentle heat for those who love a little zing.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled just before serving, parsley wakes up the dish with fresh, green brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with generously salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—you want the pasta to have a slight bite so it can hold up to the rich sauce later. Drain the pasta thoroughly, then set it aside while you prep the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry and add them in a single layer, allowing each side to cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. The moment they turn pink and opaque, transfer the shrimp to a plate. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that irresistible sear.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in all that fragrant, minced garlic. Cook for just about a minute—until you’re hit with that intoxicating garlic aroma. Then, carefully pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, continuing to simmer for several minutes as the sauce thickens into dreamy perfection. Remember to sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to your luscious cream sauce, making sure to coat every morsel. Add in the drained pasta, then toss and twirl until all the noodles are blanketed in sauce and every bite gets a bit of shrimp. Cook together for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling irresistibly to the pasta.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and scatter the freshly chopped parsley over your skillet. This finishing touch adds a pop of color and a hint of peppery freshness to your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Serve immediately while steaming hot and extra creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkling of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—toss on extra grated Parmesan, a few grinds of black pepper, or even a light drizzle of good olive oil to add shimmer and depth. If you love citrus, a small squeeze of lemon brightens the dish beautifully just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pairing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and refreshing. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. For a hint of freshness and crunch, try steamed or roasted asparagus, green beans, or even a handful of sweet cherry tomatoes alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, use tongs to twirl pasta into individual bowls, nestling the shrimp on top for maximum appeal. Serve family-style out of a large, shallow platter with plenty of fresh parsley and extra cheese at the table. To wow your guests, garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the sauce is cream-based, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later for optimum texture and flavor.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, the cream sauce may separate somewhat after thawing, and the pasta can become soft. For best results, freeze only the sauce and shrimp (without the pasta), then combine with fresh pasta when reheating for a nearly-fresh experience.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently until warmed through and silky again. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can quickly overcook the shrimp and break the sauce. Stir often and keep the heat low for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and pat them dry before cooking. This will prevent excess water from interfering with their beautiful sear and the rich cream sauce.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine is a classic because it captures the creamy sauce so well, but spaghetti, linguine, or even pappardelle are all delicious options. Feel free to swap in your favorite long pasta shape.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta less rich?
If you’d like a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half, or even whole milk. Keep in mind, the sauce will be a touch less thick and luxurious, but still tasty.
How can I add more veggies?
You can easily stir in some baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or sautéed asparagus along with the shrimp for extra color and nutrition. Wilted greens or sun-dried tomatoes add lovely texture and flavor without overpowering the main dish.
Is Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta gluten free?
It’s not, as written, but you can swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to make a naturally seafood-friendly, gluten-free version. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some gluten-free pastas cook faster than wheat-based versions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta—it’s a dish that delivers maximum comfort and wow-factor with minimal effort. Whether you whip it up for a cozy night in or to impress your favorite dinner guests, this creamy, garlicky pasta is sure to earn a place in your favorites list. Bon appétit!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luxurious yet simple-to-make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s perfect for a quick dinner. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or spaghetti.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the shrimp: Cook shrimp in olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until pink; set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic in remaining butter, add broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return shrimp to skillet, add pasta, toss to coat, and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor.
- Try white wine instead of chicken broth for a different taste.
- Enhance with baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
