If you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s quick to whip up, look no further than Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not only comforting and fulfilling but also an impressive recipe to share with family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of garlic and cream creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 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
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 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
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Gently return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
- Serve: Plate the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This dish looks great served family-style in a large bowl or plated individually. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, and heat over medium heat.
Helpful Notes
- Tip: For a bit of extra flavor, consider marinating your shrimp in a little lemon juice before seasoning.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist, or substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear if you made any variations. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures on social media!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta, and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.
Why did my sauce curdle?
The sauce may curdle if the heat is too high. Make sure to keep the heat at medium or low when adding the cream and cheese.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce and shrimp separately. Reheat them gently before serving with fresh pasta.
How thick should the consistency be?
The sauce should be creamy enough to coat the pasta. If it’s too thick, add little bits of the reserved pasta water until you get the desired consistency.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce, served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Toss 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.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Return shrimp to skillet and toss together.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in lemon juice before seasoning. Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 160mg