Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup reserved pasta water; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that manages to feel luxurious yet is wonderfully simple to pull together, let me introduce you to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp nestled in a glossy garlic-Parmesan sauce, tangled up with perfectly cooked noodles and showered with fresh parsley. It’s one of those magical meals that looks and tastes like you fussed for hours, but secretly comes together in less than half an hour. Whether you’re out to impress guests or just want to spoil yourself, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta absolutely delivers bright flavors and cozy vibes every time.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is all about elevating pantry and freezer staples into something really special. Each ingredient steps up to play a key role, from lending creamy richness to balancing freshness and a touch of heat. Here’s everything you’ll need for your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

8 oz linguine or spaghetti: Opt for your favorite long pasta; it catches the sauce beautifully and gives that satisfying twirl.
1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for shrimp that are plump and cleaned for ease and the best texture in the final dish.
1 tbsp olive oil: This helps the shrimp get gorgeous color and keeps them juicy.
2 tbsp butter, divided: Adds depth to both the sautéed shrimp and the rich, creamy sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The unmistakable star of the sauce, infusing every bite with fragrant warmth.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that lusciously silky sauce everyone raves about.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty creaminess; grating it fresh truly makes a difference.
½ tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional): Offers a gentle smoky kick or a hint of spice—customize to your taste!
Salt and pepper to taste: Bring out all the best flavors and ensure the seasoning is just right.
½ cup reserved pasta water: Helps create a perfectly silky sauce without diluting the flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, vibrant finish to every plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in your linguine or spaghetti. Give it a quick stir so nothing sticks, and cook just to al dente, usually a minute shy of the package directions. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy water to help loosen and thicken your sauce later—don’t skip this step for the best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta texture!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta bubbles away, heat up the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry and season with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for an extra layer of flavor, if you like. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Quickly transfer them to a plate—overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep a close eye!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without wiping out the skillet (all those little browned bits add flavor!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until it’s aromatic but not browned. Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan next and whisk until the sauce is velvety smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time—it’s the secret to a restaurant-worthy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta sauce!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then tumble in the drained pasta. Toss everything gently so those noodles get coated in the garlicky creaminess. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, remembering that Parmesan already adds some saltiness. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley for color and freshness—your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, I always sprinkle lots of freshly chopped parsley over the top—its brightness wakes up the entire dish. Extra grated Parmesan adds richness, and if you love a little zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest works beautifully with the creamy sauce and succulent shrimp.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the ideal contrast to this luscious pasta. Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with garlic bread or warm baguette for soaking up every last bit of sauce, or add simple sautéed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to round out the meal without slowing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your dinner guests, twirl the pasta into nests using tongs and spoon them onto plates, then artistically arrange the shrimp over the top. A drizzle of extra cream sauce around the base, a few microgreens, and a grind of fresh black pepper give your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta a totally restaurant-worthy look at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta left (I’ll be surprised!), transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Try to keep the shrimp on top so they don’t get buried and over-marinate in the sauce—this helps preserve their delicate texture.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and the shrimp can overcook when reheated. For best quality, freeze only the sauce and shrimp separately from the pasta, then combine them with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve. If you’re prepping for a future meal, this method gives much better results.

Reheating

For best results, gently rewarm individual portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir well, and be careful not to let it boil—shrimp heat up quickly and can toughen if overcooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker defrosting. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and the sauce stays luscious.

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

Linguine and spaghetti are both perfect choices, as they twirl neatly and soak up the creamy sauce. You could also use fettuccine or even penne if that’s what you have on hand—it’s a flexible dish!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta lighter?

For a lighter twist, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still creamy and delicious. You can also use less butter or increase the amount of parsley to boost freshness.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly—usually just 1–2 minutes per side is perfect. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque; they’ll finish gently as you toss with the hot pasta and sauce.

Can I add vegetables or extra flavor?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions. A splash of white wine in the pan before adding cream adds depth and complexity to your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting yet elegant about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta—it’s the type Main Course. If you’re craving something easy, creamy, and guaranteed to impress, give this recipe a try. You’re just 25 minutes away from pasta bliss!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent yet easy-to-make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with pasta. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

Shrimp:

1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water.
Cook Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in olive oil and 1 tbsp butter until pink; set aside.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in remaining butter, add cream and Parmesan. Thin with pasta water.
Combine: Add shrimp and pasta to the sauce, toss to coat.
Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve hot.