Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; juice of 1/2 lemon

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If you’re looking for the kind of pasta dish that stops conversation and brings everyone to the table with a big, contented sigh, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your answer. Imagine perfectly cooked fettuccine tangled with plump, juicy shrimp swirled in a silken cream and garlic sauce, finished with a flurry of fresh parsley and a punch of lemon. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight comfort meal or the centerpiece for an impromptu dinner party, this recipe delivers on decadent flavor while being refreshingly easy to whip up. One bite and you’ll see why this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta has become my trusty go-to for satisfying cravings and impressing family and friends alike.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the magic: a humble handful of ingredients, all working together to turn a simple pasta night into something truly special. Each ingredient brings color, texture, or that irresistible “can I have seconds?” factor to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

Fettuccine or linguine (8 oz): These long noodles expertly cradle the velvety sauce and are classic choices for this dish.
Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Opt for fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Essential for building both depth of flavor and the luxurious, rich mouthfeel of the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): This is the aromatic backbone, infusing that irresistible fragrance and bold flavor.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that creamy, dreamy sauce—don’t skimp here for best results!
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts right in, lending a salty, nutty sharpness that balances the richness.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a whisper of heat that perks up the entire dish (use more or less as you like).
Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For perfectly seasoned shrimp and sauce—these essentials can make all the difference.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the shrimp a gorgeous sear and complements the butter beautifully.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a burst of color and a lively, herby finish that ties everything together.
Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): A splash brightens the whole dish, balancing the creamy, garlicky flavors.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your fettuccine or linguine. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente, so there’s a little bite left. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water—trust me, this little trick helps create the silkiest sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a roomy skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for plump, pink, and just-cooked-through shrimp. Lift them out and set aside—they’ll rejoin the party soon!

Step 3: Build That Dreamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those tasty browned bits!). Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it releases its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream, swirling it around to lift up all that flavor from the pan, and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and your red pepper flakes if using, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly and you’re left with a glorious, creamy concoction.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add your cooked pasta directly into the sauce, gently tossing and turning to coat each strand. If the sauce feels a bit thick, drizzle in a little of the reserved pasta water to get things just how you like them. Slide the shrimp back into the pan and give everything a loving toss so the flavors meld. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle over the chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

The moment has arrived! Dish up generous bowls while the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is piping hot. The aroma is reason enough for everyone to come running, but just wait until you taste the luscious garlicky sauce wrapping every noodle and shrimp.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing shower of chopped parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan brings color and freshness that pop against the creamy sauce. If you love a hint of spice, a pinch more of red pepper flakes over top won’t go amiss. Sometimes I’ll scatter a few lemon zest curls for a bright, zippy touch.

Side Dishes

This pasta is plenty luscious on its own, but a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is a lovely, refreshing counterpoint. A side of crusty bread or warm garlic knots is perfect for mopping up that extra sauce—you don’t want to miss a drop. Roasted asparagus or buttery green beans also make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night or dinner parties, try twirling the pasta into elegant nests topped with shrimp for a restaurant-worthy look. Or, serve the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta family style in a wide, shallow platter for everyone to reach in and help themselves. Individual ramekins make for fun, upscale presentation at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (no promises!), transfer the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully, but the sauce may thicken as it sits.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish in a pinch. Place cooled pasta and shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results; just keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk, cream, or water to a skillet with the pasta over low heat. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and creamy again. If microwaving, use short bursts and stir in between to keep the shrimp from overcooking and the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely. Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking, so they get that gorgeous sear and don’t water down the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be a bit thinner. Some folks enjoy a mix of milk and a little cream cheese for a creamy tang as well.

Is there a way to make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or linguine. Make sure to check all labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

How do I prevent the shrimp from turning rubbery?

The key is not to overcook them—just 2 to 3 minutes per side is plenty. They’re done when opaque, bright pink, and just barely curled into a C shape.

Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Try tossing in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic for even more texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta enough—rich, satisfying, and shockingly simple for the flavor payoff! It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles to any table, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a try, and it just might become your new pasta obsession, too.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent yet simple-to-make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that combines succulent shrimp with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the shrimp: Sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil until pink; set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, and spices. Cook until thickened.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve hot.