Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, indulgent dish that blends tender shrimp, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta into one luxurious meal. With bold flavor and a silky finish, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress at any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is everything you could want in a pasta dinner—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned, the sauce is creamy and garlicky without being too heavy, and the pasta ties everything together for a cohesive and comforting meal. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes and requires only one pan for the sauce and shrimp, making cleanup easy and fast.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

directions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp:
   In a bowl, season shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the garlic cream sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine pasta and sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.
   Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
5. Serve:
   Divide pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
• Lemon-garlic twist: Add more lemon juice and zest for a brighter, tangier flavor.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What pasta shape works best?

Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine holds the creamy sauce well, but any shape will work.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, though flavor and texture may vary.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add the red pepper flakes—feel free to omit for a milder version.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it at the end just to warm through so it doesn’t overcook.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream works best for a rich sauce. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook just until pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily. Use a large skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet decadent meal that brings together the irresistible flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and shrimp in a luxurious cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-style dish at home, this pasta is a guaranteed hit. With its easy preparation and elegant result, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

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