Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish); Juice of half a lemon

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a decadent, restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender shrimp are pan-seared and coated in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal that feels both indulgent and easy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Juice of half a lemon

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. I reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the noodles aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil, then add the shrimp in a single layer. I cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they’re pink and cooked through, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. I cook this for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.

I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce for about 3–4 minutes.

I stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce turns creamy. I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

I return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the pasta, and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, I loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Just before serving, I squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. I always serve it hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I swap the shrimp for scallops or grilled chicken. Sometimes I add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color. If I’m craving a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan slightly. And for a gluten-free option, I go with gluten-free pasta without compromising on texture or flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. I avoid overcooking the shrimp again, as they can become rubbery if reheated too long.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

I add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper if I want a spicier kick. A bit of hot sauce stirred into the cream sauce also works well.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t release too much water into the pan.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually go for fettuccine or linguine, but spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even penne all work great. I just make sure the sauce has something to cling to.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best fresh, but I’ve prepped the components (like cooking the shrimp and making the sauce) ahead and combined them just before serving. It helps save time while still keeping everything flavorful.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap in a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. The flavor is slightly different but still rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of those meals I turn to when I want maximum comfort with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m cooking for myself, my family, or entertaining friends, this dish always gets rave reviews—and it comes together in under half an hour. It’s a must-have in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Recipe:

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with juicy shrimp, garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.