Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Easy & Delicious Recipe
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s quick and easy to make at home! Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs (for handling shrimp)
- Microplane or grater (for parmesan cheese)
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz 340g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt for pasta water
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional, for color and flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half for a lighter version
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine for extra flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- 4️⃣ Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5️⃣ Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Make it Healthier: Swap heavy cream for half & half or a dairy-free alternative.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Best Pasta Choices: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best with the creamy sauce.
Make it Healthier: Swap heavy cream for half & half or a dairy-free alternative.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Best Pasta Choices: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best with the creamy sauce.