Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
If you’re seeking a show-stopping, comfort-filled dinner that’s ready in just half an hour, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Picture tender linguine tangled up with juicy, golden shrimp and ribbons of creamy, garlicky sauce — all crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hint of lemon. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or an impromptu dinner party, this dish invites everyone to the table with its luscious texture and irresistible flavors. It’s a recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is delightfully simple to pull off at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, from the pasta that soaks up the sauce to the shrimp that add a sweet, briny bite. Don’t be tempted to skip a thing — every element brings flavor, color, and that signature creamy texture to this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
- Pasta: Use linguine or fettuccine for the perfect balance of chew and sauce-capturing power.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and become wonderfully tender in the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a fruity note and helps sear the shrimp for that lovely golden color.
- Unsalted Butter: Divided for a rich, silky base and to sauté the garlic to perfection.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for bold, aromatic flavor that’s truly the heart of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Brings all the creaminess you crave, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for maximum melt and that unmistakable savory edge.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle heat that balances the richness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a pop of color and garden-fresh finish.
- Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens the entire dish and lifts the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine or fettuccine and cook until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later, then drain the pasta and set it aside. The key is to have the pasta ready to be tossed with your creamy sauce as soon as it’s finished.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season your shrimp generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and just opaque. Don’t overcook them — you want them juicy and tender! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In that same glorious skillet (don’t clean it — those little browned bits are flavor gold), add the remaining butter and all the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and starting to soften, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken just a bit. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked shrimp and your drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in that dreamy, creamy garlic sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and taste — adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water until you hit your perfect consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe to a large serving bowl or portion onto plates. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley, and if you love a little zing, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is silky and the shrimp are at their juiciest.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, shower the pasta with lots of chopped fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan. A final squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a bright, tangy touch that wakes up the creamy flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few lemon zest curls or a drizzle of good olive oil makes things extra special.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe shines alongside simple sides that won’t compete with its flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully, as does a basket of warm, crusty bread for mopping up every bit of sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach are perfect veggie companions if you want to add more greens to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, twirl the pasta into neat nests with tongs and place several shrimp on top for a restaurant-style look. Serve in shallow pasta bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or go elegant with white plates and a sprinkle of microgreens. If you want to wow guests, serve the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in a large family-style bowl so everyone can dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken as it sits, but it will loosen up nicely when reheated.
Freezing
While you can freeze the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe, the sauce may separate a bit when reheated due to the cream. If you choose to freeze, portion the cooled pasta into individual containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, enjoy fresh or just refrigerated if possible.
Reheating
To bring back that luscious creaminess, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through — avoid boiling so the shrimp stay tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear nicely and don’t water down the creamy sauce.
What’s the best pasta shape for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Linguine and fettuccine are classic choices because their broad noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, you can use spaghetti or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still plenty creamy and delicious.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly — usually just 1 to 2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the pan. They’ll finish gently when tossed back in with the pasta and sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it so. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on both flavor and comfort, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe won’t disappoint. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and brings a little bit of restaurant magic right to your own kitchen. Give it a try — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and satisfying dish combining tender linguine with succulent sautéed shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Italian-American recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a hint of spice and a touch of fresh lemon juice to brighten the palate.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
Shrimp & Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly to a rich consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, sauté the shrimp with a splash of white wine before adding the garlic.
- To lighten the sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add baby spinach or other greens when adding the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
