Two of my favorite foods have come together in this creamy garlic shrimp pasta! It’s a dish that whispers comfort and indulgence, with the lavish texture of the sauce hugging tender pasta. Plus, it takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special date night in.
What truly sets this dish apart is its balance of flavors—the rich, creamy garlic sauce warmed by a hint of lemon, and the succulent shrimp that bring a burst of freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is bound to impress.
Why you’ll love creamy garlic shrimp pasta
- Quick to prepare for busy weeknights.
- Rich and satisfying without being heavy.
- Versatile—swap in your favorite pasta shape.
- Can impress your guests with minimal effort.
- Comforting flavors that warm the soul.
What ingredients do I need for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- For an allergy-friendly option, substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta.
- Use shrimp with shells on for additional flavor; just peel for the dish.
- Feel free to swap Parmesan with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
How do I make creamy garlic shrimp pasta step-by-step?
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta comes together quickly! You’ll cook your pasta, sauté the shrimp, and create a delicious garlic cream sauce—all in under 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring in Parmesan cheese 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.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Serve divided among plates, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pasta is perfectly al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
How should I serve it?
Serve this creamy garlic shrimp pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the luxurious sauce and colorful garnish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can elevate the dish even more. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a delightful meal!
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
You can make creamy garlic shrimp pasta ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How do I fix common issues?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply stir in a little reserved pasta water or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it ends up bland, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or an extra pinch of salt and pepper.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to customize this dish! You could add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a different protein, like scallops or chicken, to mix things up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before seasoning and cooking. This can be done in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a quicker option.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though the texture may vary. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or use diced fresh jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for an extra kick.
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a glorious blend of flavors and textures, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring in Parmesan cheese 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.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Serve divided among plates, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.